Aleksey Miranchuk is the first international to return to the Bortolotti Training Centre and to be available to coach Gian Piero Gasperini. With him, we talked about his experience at EURO2020 and of course his second season in the Atalanta shirt, but not only that.

It’s Aleksey Miranchuk’s second season in the Nerazzurri shirt. With an extra year of experience, the Atalanta attacking midfielder is preparing for the start of the 2021-2022 season. 

“I think the best thing that can happen, hopefully, is the return of the fans [to the stadium]. They are the so-called twelfth man, that will help us. When we’ll play, you’ll be able to see the difference between what was before and what will be. What do I expect from the new season? I don’t think it’s going to change a lot, as regards preparations and training. As for me personally, I would like to play more and be helpful to the team”. 

How was the Euro2020 experience?

“It was my first European championship, therefore I was really glad that I got the call-up. I am not happy with the results, for sure, like neither the team nor the whole country. But now I have the experience of a big competition. Hopefully, this can help me in the future to reach a new level”.

Among other things, you are in the Nerazzurri history, as you were the first Atalanta player to score in a European championship.

“Yes, I do remember that Atalanta posted it on Instagram. I didn’t know that none of the Atalanta players had scored before. So I was very happy that I became the pioneer, let’s say, the first one to score. Then also Matteo Pessina and Robin Gosens scored. Therefore I’m happy that Atalanta have players who deliver results and they did it at Euro2020 as well”. 

You got to see the fans again at EURO2020.

“As I said before, I’d really like to see the fans again and feel their support. It’s very hard to play without them”. 

These are the first days of work, it’s time to sweat again.

“Yes, I saw all the lads on the first day. I had a chat with everyone. We hugged. I was happy to see them all again. I know there’s a lot of work to do. We have to prepare for the season”. 

How is it going with Italian after a year?

“I understand it and I can speak it a bit but it’ll take longer for me to release an interview. But I’m studying it and I’m making progress. I hope I can make them in Italian shortly. Hopefully, next season can be even better, even fuller of emotions, goals and results”. 

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