Fodé Ballo-Touré has spoken openly about his time with AC Milan, revealing some predictions about this season and Mike Maignan’s future.
Ballo-Toure joined Milan in the 2021 summer transfer window to be the deputy to Theo Hernandez, arriving from Monaco. He ended up struggling for playing time and – after a loan spell at Fulham in 2023-24 – the defender departed for Le Havre in January 2025.
The Senegal international made 26 appearances, scoring one crucial goal, the one against Empoli three years ago that secured victory for Stefano Pioli’s side. He won the Scudetto in 2021-22, and he now plays for FC Metz in France.
Ballo-Toure gave an interview to MilanNews in which he reflected on his time with the Diavolo and gave his thoughts on current events.
All in all, was it a positive or negative experience at Milan?
“To be honest, it’s a positive and negative memory at the same time. Every player would like to play every game, or at least a couple of them in a row. But then I won the Scudetto with a big club, playing a few games… so I’d say my memories of Milan are pretty good.
“And I also showed that I can live up to the expectations of a big club, despite not having played much. And then…”
Go on?
“Thanks to what I learned at Milan, I can now give lessons to the Metz players and explain to the boys what to do in certain situations. My experience at Milan was a very useful one. At Milan, I understood what high standards are and how to respond…”
But Pioli just didn’t see that?
“I wouldn’t say that… and besides, his team was doing well. Theo was doing great. It was difficult to get past a player like that.”
Is your farewell from Milan through the back door sad?
“I don’t know what happened. Last year [when he played a few games for Milan Futuro] I focused only on myself. And voilà…”
What is Leão missing to become one of the world’s top talents?
“He’s talented and has everything he needs… or maybe he does: he should score more goals, that’s all. He’s a very good player. What makes him special are his dribbling, his running, his speed.”
Can Milan stay top until the end of May?
“Yes, Milan will win the Scudetto, they will win it (smiles). I’m sure they will triumph. I’ve seen the games and the team is strong and plays well. Plus, the group is united and will finish first.”
Your friend Saelemaekers celebrated your winning goal against Empoli two years ago on Instagram. Are you surprised by his meteoric rise? Modric and Nkunku scored their first goals for AC Milan from one of his assists…
“What a surprise? Alexis is a great player and always has been. He seized his opportunity and is now demonstrating his talent.”
Milan fans are wondering what Mike Maignan will do next summer…
“He will stay at Milan.”
