Zvonimir Boban has launched a scathing criticism of AC Milan’s treatment of Algerian international Ismaël Bennacer, accusing the club of mismanaging the midfielder following his return from injury.
The former Milan striker and ex-sporting director, who served the Rossoneri in an executive role from June 2019 until February 2025, spoke candidly in an interview with Italian journalist Andrea Longoni.
Now working with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb, Boban expressed deep frustration over the way Bennacer was sidelined after a serious knee injury during the 2022–2023 season.
“The management has massacred him,” Boban said bluntly. “Bennacer is an extraordinary player who has been severely undervalued.
What he contributed to Milan was nothing short of exceptional.”
Bennacer, who boasts 50 international caps and two goals for Algeria, arrived at San Siro from Empoli just weeks after Boban assumed his role as sporting director.
A technically gifted and tactically disciplined midfielder, he quickly became a key figure under Milan’s midfield setup. However, following his knee injury, Boban believes the club failed in its duty of care and support.
“After such an injury, players need time and patience,” he continued. “We’ve extended that courtesy to others, but not to him. He was cast aside immediately.
He’s a private, reserved individual—a true soldier. He doesn’t open up easily, and maybe that worked against him. But that doesn’t excuse how he was treated.”
Boban went further, suggesting that the poor handling of Bennacer’s recovery may have even led to subsequent relapses in his physical condition.
The 27-year-old made a switch to Olympique de Marseille in February during the winter transfer window on a loan deal that includes an option to buy.
Reflecting on the player’s journey, Boban shared a personal anecdote from his time as Milan’s sporting director. “He came from Arsenal, and I remember calling Arsène Wenger to ask about him.
Wenger told me: ‘Zvone, if you’re going to war, take Ismaël with you.’ That’s the kind of character he is—fearless, committed, reliable. He was a diamond in the rough who simply needed to be polished.”
Despite his exit from Milan, Bennacer remains highly regarded by those who have worked with him closely. But for Boban, his regret lies in what he views as a missed opportunity—not just for the player, but for the club.
“Even now, I struggle to comprehend how we failed to recognize his true value,” he concluded. “There was something special there, and we let it slip through our fingers.”
Bennacer’s stint at Marseille may offer a much-needed fresh start. But Boban’s remarks shine a stark light on the internal handling of player welfare at Milan, raising questions about how injuries and recoveries are managed behind the scenes.
While the Croatian acknowledges some shared responsibility, his comments make clear where he believes the primary fault lies.
Zvonimir #Boban:
“La direction a massacré Bennacer. C’est un joueur extraordinaire, sous-estimé. Ce qu’il a donné à Milan est exceptionnel. Je ne défends pas le choix que nous avons fait sur Bennacer, je sais reconnaitre mes erreurs. Mais recruter Bennacer était un super coup.” pic.twitter.com/vKhfLxWcfN
— Milan Actu (@MilanActuFR) May 13, 2025
