Camarda recalls conversations with Maignan, first team experience and Milan Futuro struggles | OneFootball

Francesco Camarda has revealed that Mike Maignan has helped his first-team adaptation, while also lifting the lid on how Milan Futuro’s debut campaign has gone.

It has been an important season for the now-17-year-old Camarda in terms of his development, because he has played consistent senior football for the first time, both with the first team and the Futuro.

There have been milestones ticked off as well, such as becoming the youngest debutant in the history of Serie A during Milan-Fiorentina on 25 November 2023, at 15 years, 8 months and 15 days.

Then, the striker became the youngest Italian debutant in the Champions League, as well as in the European history of Milan (Milan-Brugge on 22 October 2024, at 16 years and 226 days).

Milan face a big decision in the summer regarding his development with the possibility of a loan spell having been mentioned, but for now the teenager is being managed internally.

Camarda gave an interview to Milan TV in which he spoke about his season with the first team – which included a memorable debut – and his time with Milan Futuro. MilanPress relayed his comments.

Milan Futuro have won consecutive games…

“We had never won two games in a row all season , because there had always been difficulties on a character level rather than a technical level on the pitch. Now we are more of a group, more of a team, we have important concepts and you can see the results on the pitch.

“There is a good atmosphere among us in the group, we are all a united group, all friends of each other, we help each other. It’s all easier.”

What is it like playing in Serie C?

“The thing I always noticed is that, despite the defeats, there were days where we were really down also because the standings are what they are. Maybe two days would pass, we would have team talks, and the mood would rise, it would improve.

“Then, since Serie C is a tough league, on a personal level I feel like I have improved in many things thanks to this league. Being a tougher, tougher, more aggressive league, you have to improve in the speed of your choices. Certain things that perhaps, if there hadn’t been Milan Futuro, you wouldn’t have learned. It helped me a lot.”

What type of player are you?

“I am the type of player who lives for the goal. Every match, obviously, the important thing is always to win and the team, then on a personal level I look for the goal. I am a striker, I am a number 9, it is my bread and butter.”

You have gathered some first team experience…

“They have experienced many difficult moments this season and I can say that I have experienced them with them. I spent three quarters of the season with them.

“The first team training is at another level of speed. The players always want the best from everyone. Being younger, it is normal that when I make a mistake they let me know and make themselves heard. But this is something that just helps.

“I have experienced some good moments too, like the Super Cup, the disallowed goal [against Club Brugge], there were also some bad moments and we tried to come back on the pitch.”

Which team-mates help you most?

“I talk to everyone a bit. If I have to say one, I’d say Mike [Maignan]. We had two conversations, I say two because they’re the ones that really stuck in my mind. Apart from the fact that when he speaks, for me he’s number one.

“I respect him as a person first of all. There was one time at the table when it was just me and him, we spoke for about 40 minutes. We spoke again today.

“Then Leao also talks to me often, he gives me a lot of advice. Tomori, Gabbia, Florenzi, Thiaw. There are a lot of players who help me. The goal is to win as much as possible, then on a personal level it’s obvious that every minute they give me, I want to make the most of it and I want to score.”