Mike Maignan is ready to come back!
19. Dezember 2021
One moment the hero, the other the unlucky one. Mike Maignan, injured his wrist during a strong save in the match against Liverpool FC. The AC Milan goalkeeper is therefore out of action for the time being. However, he is working hard on his comeback. “It’s all in the mind and that’s what made the difference for me to come back so quickly.”
Last season LOSC won the french championship and you stood in the goal in evry match. How does a goalkeeper get so much confidence attributed to him?
The goalkeeper is an important player in a team, he is a pillar. There is no great team without a strong goalkeeper. And to achieve results like that you have to keep performing.
How can you as a goalkeeper have an impact on the performance of your team?
By performing every weekend.
You have left your home country for the first time in forever and transfered to AC Milan. What does that feel like? Was it hard for you?
I discovered a new lifestyle, a new way of working but I was well welcomed and I was placed in the best conditions and that has facilitated my integration.
What do you like about Italy the most so far?
I haven’t seen much yet, but I like the atmosphere, the generosity of the people, the Italians are very welcoming.
Is there anything – apart from your friens and family – that you miss about france that no other country could ever replace?
It’s different. In France I had my habits, I had everything. Here, I have to get back into a routine.
Do you know a little Italian already? if so, can you say something?
Yes, today I understand everything, I can talk to my friend about football, that’s good
„There is no great team without a strong goalkeeper.“
A few weeks ago, you have injured your wrist when you were saving a penalty kick so you had to get surgery done. How did you deal with the setback?
I worked a lot. Afterwards I had the confidence, I was also coached. It’s all in the mind and that’s what made the difference for me to come back so quickly.
What is your goal for the rest of the season assuming you can play again soon?
I see my goals from day to day. I have both individual and collective goals, but I take it step by step, day by day.
Your teammates gave you the nickname « magic eagle » (=king of the birds) why?
It has to do with my performance, with who I am, how I behave, and it’s a whole.
How did you get to the goalkeeper position? Did anyone inspire you to do so?
Goalkeeper was not what I originally wanted to do but as I lost a bet with one of my coaches I started to look at the position.
„I see my goals from day to day.“
You wear the number 16. Is there a reason why?
It’s the number I’ve had since I started. I preferred to keep it and it also reminds me of a relationship I have with a very close friend.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
My mother, my family and the people who have always supported me and believed in me. And also those who didn’t believe in me, because that allowed me to build up my mental strength and it gives me strength on a daily basis to get through some steps.
2021 is almost over. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
Every year, every day, it’s the same for me. There are no New Year’s resolutions. It’s always the same.
What do you pay particular attention to when it comes to goalkeepers gloves ?
For me, comfort is the most important thing.
You wear the uhlsport supergrip gloves. Why are they the perfect gloves for you?
I’ve been wearing uhlsport gloves for a long time. Then I tried several brands, but it was the perfect rubber/foam that I liked the most.
