Cafu supports Milan in the fight for the Scudetto and highlights two key players in the derby

Marcos Cafu believes two players in particular will be crucial if AC Milan are to win the derby against Inter tomorrow night and he reiterated his love for the club and its fans.

Although his last game for Milan was over 15 years ago, in 2008, the affection that Rossoneri fans – and all football fans in general – have for Cafu is still incredible.

Yesterday, the Brazilian was mobbed for autographs and selfies at Milan Malpensa airport before the departure of the Rossoneri Legends flight to Georgia. With a smile on his face, he took the time to make sure he satisfied everyone.

The full-back knows what it takes to win trophies and the biggest games like the derby, and Milan could really use his experience tomorrow when they face their city rivals, who have only one win in five games to start the season and Paulo Fonseca is under great pressure.

Cafu gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on the eve of the San Siro derby, and spoke on a range of topics, from the charity match in Georgia to the key players against Inter.

How does it feel to still be loved like this?

“Very good. It's always nice to see that people like you. That means I did well here. One thing is certain: the Milan fans love me at least as much as I love them.”

Are you fit for today's game in Tbilisi?

“When you take to the field for a good cause, I'm always there. I started in Brazil and now I'm here… Milan is a club with a big heart and shows that with initiatives like this. And then it will be nice to hug Kaladze again. [he is the mayor of Tbilisi and will lead the Georgian Legends] and all my former teammates.”

You have gained a lot with Kala and the others…

“Yes, we won trophies, but the best thing we have from those years is the friendship with those guys. Every time we see each other, it's a great feeling. We are still a family.”

Was and is the father of this family Ancelotti?

“Yes, Papa Carlo (laughs). It was a pleasure to be coached by him: he is an exceptional coach who was key to many of the Rossoneri's triumphs. He always knew what to say in the dressing room to instill calm before an important match.

“It doesn't surprise me that he continues to win: as a coach he is the best in the world, but above all he is a great person. My compatriots Vinicius, Rodrigo and Endrick are lucky to have him in Madrid.”

You have won many derbies. Which one do you remember most fondly?

“What we won in my first year in Milan with a comeback. We were 2-0 down, but we turned the game around and won the title at the end of the season.”

Who was the Nerazzurri’s toughest opponent?

“Zanetti. The fights with him were beautiful because he pushed so hard and I did the same. It was a fight… between giants, but always in the name of respect.”

Are you following Milan from Brazil?

“Yes, often. I didn't expect such a difficult start, but it's time to recover and I'm convinced that this team will get a lot of points. The derby is a very important match in this respect: with a win, Milan can catch up with Inter and get back into the fight for the Scudetto. I believe in it.”

What kind of game do you expect?

“It's tough because we're playing against a strong team, but we need to win to climb the table. If the Nerazzurri beat us, it will be harder to recover and that's why I say we need to do well.”

Everyone says Inter is the favorite. Do you agree?

“The table says so, but the derby is… the derby, an unpredictable game that can change the season.”

If you could take one player away from Inzaghi, who would you choose?

“Lautaro. He has scoring goals in his DNA.”

Who are you betting on from the Rossoneri?

“Morata was a great signing. If he gets the right performances, he will score a lot of goals this season. Let's hope for the derby too.”

Emerson Royal admitted that Cafu has always been his idol. What encouragement would you like to send him?

“He is very good and although he didn't play much at Tottenham, I am convinced that he will do very well in Milan. He is young and when he gets going he can give a lot to the team because he has strength, bite and 'garra'.”

Inzaghi’s three-man defense currently offers much more security than Fonseca’s four-man defense…

“In a tactical game like this, the details are crucial and I am convinced that Fonseca will find the right move.”

Who will win the title?

“I'm hoping for Milan, but I'm also looking at Juve as well as Inter. Thiago Motta is good.”