Rabiot says Amorim has moved him closer to goal after Milan return

Adrien Rabiot made an immediate impact on his return to AC Milan, creating a goal and scoring another in a 2-1 victory over Torino, while saying new manager Ruben Amorim has given him a more advanced role.

Rabiot came off the bench and set up Alfadjo Cisse shortly after his introduction before scoring Milan’s second goal two minutes later. The result gave Milan an important victory in the opening round of Serie A.

The France international said he was pleased to be back in action and believed he had already understood what Amorim wanted from him.

“I am happy to be back, and I saw the coach’s ideas. I also spoke with the president,” Rabiot told Sky.

He added: “I played in a similar position with Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille. I like moving forward towards goal, so I am happy.”

Rabiot had not played since the World Cup third-place match against England. He and France team-mate Mike Maignan were given additional time off during the summer, with both players returning to Milan later than some of their colleagues.

That absence prompted debate among Milan supporters and sections of the Italian media. Rabiot answered the criticism on the pitch at the first opportunity, contributing directly to both of his side’s goals against Torino.

Explaining the decision to take extra time away, he said: “The World Cup was good. We reached the semi-finals, even though we wanted to win. I needed this period of rest physically and mentally because the season was difficult, especially because of the way it ended with Milan.”

Rabiot said the additional leave had been agreed with the coaching staff rather than taken without permission.

“We asked the coach for two extra days, and he gave us four, so I do not understand the reason for all this debate. But once again, this is what always happens in Italy,” he said.

The midfielder also outlined how his responsibilities under Amorim differ from those he had under Massimiliano Allegri.

“I am closer to goal when we win the ball back, and we will try to have more possession than our opponents this season. It will then be easier to create chances, score goals and provide assists,” Rabiot said.

He believes that increased possession should allow Milan to attack more consistently and give him greater opportunities to influence matches in the final third.

Rabiot concluded: “I am happy to be back on the pitch after only one week of training. I understood what the coach wants and what he expects from me, and I am happy because I contributed with a goal and an assist.”

Milan will now prepare for their second Serie A fixture of the season, when they face Venezia on Friday. Their opening-day win over Torino provided a positive start for Amorim and marked an impressive return for Rabiot after his extended break.