Bondo admits Leao and French trio have been pivotal since joining Milan | OneFootball

Warren Bondo only joined AC Milan in February, but he already feels very welcomed into the club, due to existing relationships and an unlikely bond.

A move for Bondo always felt possible, considering his roots, the previous interest and the connection between Monza and Milan. However, for the move to happen as and when it did, it was certainly a shock.

As a result of Ismael Bennacer’s forced move, the Frenchman arrived in the winter mercato as a replacement, though he spent his first few weeks sidelined through injury. Nevertheless, he made his first start this weekend and proved his worth, even if he did not do anything major.

Joining a club like the Rossoneri has the potential to be difficult, considering his age and his relative unknownness in the game. However, he admitted that he has been well supported internally, in an interview with Footmercato.net, and Milan News have relayed his words.

How is your integration in the club going? What role have the French players had in the team?

“They made me feel welcome. Youssouf [Fofana], Rafael [Leão], who speaks very good French… As for Rafael, you should know that I knew him well thanks to my former teammate at Monza, Dany Mota, who also speaks French. He is a friend of his and I was always with him. So there was a bond between us and Rafael was happy with my arrival.

“With the French it was natural. In the canteen I sat directly next to Youssouf, Mike, Théo… They made it easier for me to integrate and every day I observe their working methods. They are champions.”