Dester: I hope to return to Milan one day. I am always grateful for my time at Barcelona

defender Dest, who played for Eindhoven, was interviewed and talked about topics such as his experience in Milan, his relationship with Pioli, his career in Barcelona and his future dreams. What is the new life of

Dester?

I have three simple dreams: win the league championship again with Eindhoven and achieve three consecutive championships; play an outstanding World Cup in 2026; and return to another top international club, perhaps an Italian club.

Maybe AC ​​Milan?

It is possible that Milan is a very good city and I hope to go back one day.

Talking about Milan

coming to the wrong place at the wrong time. The timing is unfortunate. I have to confess that I wasn't in my best shape at the time, especially since I just stepped out of that complicated experience in Barcelona. I remember that from the first day of my arrival, Maldini and Masala gave me a huge amount of trust. There is no good feeling between Pioli: Calabria is the captain and plays in the same position as me, which is not easy for Pioli to deal with. Despite this, Milan is still an incredible club.

Please explain what "no feeling" between you and Pioli means.

We have always had a good relationship and by what I meant, I honestly hoped to play more games. I must emphasize that I have never had any problems with him, he is a good person. He made his choices, and I respect those choices.

How did the negotiations with Milan begin?

That was September 1, 2022, the last day of the transfer market. Barcelona wanted to rent me out, I was 21 years old and was looking for a top club. Negotiations with Milan are as fast as lightning, and I thank Martini and Masala for their trust in me.

14 games, 3 starts, and some physical problems: Are you regretful?

No regrets. Despite everything that happened, I had a great time in Milan and learned an important lesson from people like Maldini, Masala, Leo and Ibrahimovic: Never give up. Even the long absence made me more mentally stronger and better…

in what ways is better?

Cooking skills. The Italian food is so delicious. I also appreciate your culture.

Traveling further: In Barcelona, ​​you have gone from being a main player to being placed in the transfer market within two years.

In Barcelona, ​​I learned a lot, playing at the highest level with phenomenal players. I've made more than 70 appearances in two years, about 50 of which are starters. Ronald Koeman trusts me very much, but with the arrival of Xavi and new chairman Laporta, a lot of things have changed, as well as the club's economic problems.

I didn't get new opportunities: I learned a little in the world of football that coaches and directors want "their own people" and I don't belong to that circle. I would always be grateful for the time I spent at Barcelona, ​​but if the new team that was being formed at the time gave me the opportunity to prove my worth, I believe I could have done well.

How are you now?

I am very good and very happy. I hope to keep playing football and stay healthy.

How did you balance your private life with your career?

In private, I am a quiet person. I rest a lot and work hard. I try to take better care of myself. At work, due to the Champions League, national team and league, this is a tense period and the schedule is very intensive.

Have you completely recovered from the cruciate ligament rupture you encountered in early January 2024?

Yes, I've been fully recovered since April last year. I'm very happy because I still managed to help Eindhoven win the league last year. Everything is going well. Of course, it was a very heavy mental injury: the recovery process was both tiring and lonely. Now I feel very good.

contributed 2 goals and 3 assists to Eindhoven in the first 8 games of the season: Are we seeing a "new" Dest?

I won't say that. As you get older, you will certainly become more experienced and stronger, but my style of playing football is still the same as I did when I was a teenager in Ajax. I always try to improve myself. I play as a fullback and my idol is Ronaldinho.

You were born into a family of American fathers and Dutch mothers: you eventually chose to represent Team USA.

Since I was 15 years old, I have been playing for Team USA. My emotions are closely linked to the United States and I can't wait to participate in the World Cup.