Zakaria, currently on loan from Milan to Olympique Lyonnais, gave an exclusive interview to Pianeta Milan, notably speaking in Italian to the media for the first time.

Zakaria, it's been six weeks since you joined Olympique Lyonnais and moved to France to play in Ligue 1. How are you adapting to France, to Olympique Lyonnais, and to Ligue 1? You've had plenty of playing time and even scored a goal...

Yes, I'm doing well. I feel in good form, and we have a very strong team for this league. I feel like I'm adapting well and I'm in good condition.

Is the move from Milan to Olympique Lyonnais a step forward or a step backward? Or are we talking about two clubs at roughly similar levels—both competing for top-four finishes in their domestic leagues and hoping to achieve strong results in the Europa League? How do you view this move?

No, for me it's a step forward because here I can get plenty of playing time. Of course, Milan is at a completely different, higher level, because the club's history is incredible. But personally, I'm happy because I can play and continue to improve and grow. Yes, I'm very pleased with this.

Are you at all frustrated with Allegri? Last season he gave you very limited playing opportunities at Milan, rationing your minutes. Are you angry with him or his decisions regarding your playing time?

No, not at all, not angry in the slightest. Allegri taught me a lot, even in daily training. I learned a great deal from him about how to play in Serie A. In Italian football, he is an extremely great, top-level coach. I was very happy to work with him and valued that period greatly.

Although Milan's performance at the end of the season was indeed quite negative, right?

Yes, that's right. The final stretch was quite difficult because we ultimately failed to achieve our goal of qualifying for the Champions League. But personally, receiving guidance from the coach and working with him was still a very valuable and positive experience.

What exactly happened in those final five games? Was there a psychological collapse within the team? You were in the locker room—what happened?

Yes, the situation became very complicated at that time. I can't really say exactly why...

Did the whole team still support Allegri, or had he lost control of the locker room?

No, the entire team stood with Allegri from beginning to end. Everyone was united. But in the final stage, it was indeed very difficult for all of us, and unfortunately, we did not achieve our goals.

After this one-year loan spell, do you see yourself staying long-term at Olympique Lyonnais, or do you dream of returning to Milan? I saw your performance against Fenerbahçe—you played very well and deserved more opportunities at Milan. Every time you came off the bench you gave your all. Do you see your future as long-term development at Olympique Lyonnais, or do you dream of one day becoming a starter at Milan?

I'm not sure yet, but what's certain is that Milan is an extremely great club—one of the greatest in the world. However, I don't know what the future holds. I must first give my all to complete this season, and then we will evaluate and decide together.

Did Amorim explicitly tell you that you weren't in his future plans, or was going to France entirely your own choice? Did he directly tell you, "If you stay at Milan, you won't get much playing time"?

No, we had pre-season training at that time. I spoke with coach Amorim, and he told me directly: "In my opinion, it's better for you to go out on loan to another club to get playing opportunities."

At least in this matter, he was very honest and straightforward...

Yes, that's true. Regardless, I sincerely hope Milan has a great season this year. For me now, I am 100% focused on Olympique Lyonnais and fully concentrated on the challenges ahead. One must look forward.

What do you think about the so-called "clear-out list"? For example, Fofana, Tomori, Okafor, Nkunku, and even Leao was no longer considered a core player... What do you think when a new coach comes to the team and directly says, "You, you, and you, I don't need you anymore," even somewhat disregarding these players' past contributions and history with the club? Do you feel that in today's football, players are treated somewhat like tools or objects, and when you lose your usefulness, you are simply discarded?

Yes... I think Amorim made the recent decisions he felt were right. But as a professional player, you must show respect, because Amorim is the head coach and you must respect the decisions he makes.

Some players leave, and some stay. Do you think the current Milan team has become stronger or weaker?

For me, Milan is always Milan. Whether a player plays or leaves, the most important thing will always be Milan itself. Milan will always be one of the top clubs in the world.

However, if Leao is absent or leaves, Milan will miss him sooner or later, won't they?

Yes, I think so. Rafa has had several excellent seasons at Milan, and I think he's a top, highly decisive player.

So, see you in the Europa League final? Milan against Olympique Lyonnais?

I hope so! That would be fantastic. I'm really looking forward to it!

And then return to Milanello next summer?

I don't know yet. I must first have a good season at Olympique Lyonnais, and then we'll discuss and decide together. But for me, Milan will always be an incredibly great club.

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