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AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot has spoken about Gerry Cardinale being so close to the squad, and about his extended summer vacation. Rabiot was the game-changer for Milan in their 2-1 victory over Torino away from home on Sunday night. He came on in the second half with the scores level at 0-0, providing an assist for Alphadjo Cisse’s opener and then scoring with a volley less than three minutes later. Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial! It was a good way for the Frenchman to quieten some of the noise that has surrounded him this summer, with some criticism regarding the extended holiday he was granted along with compatriot and captain Mike Maignan. After the final whistle, Rabiot spoke to DAZN to give his thoughts on the first win of the season and one some of the off-field matters that have been in the newspaper headlines. His words have been relayed by MilanNews. How do you feel this year with Cardinale so close to the team? “I think it’s important for the team to have the boss’s support. We spoke a few days ago. I know he’s spoken to many players to express his confidence and to explain what he expects from us. “I think the images speak for themselves. It’s important to have him with us. The opening game was good; it was important to win. Then we’ll have time with the manager to work on what didn’t go well.” Did that interview convince you to stay or was there no need? “No, there wasn’t any need. I went on vacation and relaxed. It was important after the World Cup. Then I came back with a great desire to stay here and do well with the boys and the new coach. I’m confident.” Have you ever thought about leaving Milan after Allegri’s departure? “No. I’m someone who likes to do things properly. And leaving Milan like this, without being in the Champions League, after the way we ended the season, I didn’t like it. I heard about the new coach. “We barely spoke during the World Cup, but he immediately texted me to tell me I was important to the project. I was convinced I’d stay, but I needed a bit of a break and a vacation. That’s also why we asked for a few more days with Mike, and it did us a world of good.” In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 today, you were deployed as an attacking midfielder. Is that your role? “After speaking with the coach, we agreed that I can play both in a two-man midfield and as an attacking midfielder. I’m ready to help the team in midfield and beyond. In this role, it’s a bit like the role I had with De Zerbi in Marseille. “I know it well and I enjoy it because I can get into the box and score goals. It’s something I enjoy doing. I like the coach’s style of play, keeping the ball and playing an attacking game with high pressing when we lose possession. “These are things I like, and I’m happy. Even though I only had a week of training with the team, I tried to give 100%. I still have to work because I’m not 100% yet, but I’m happy to have scored and provided an assist tonight.”