AC Milan midfielder Adel Taarabt has expressed his frustrations about his time in England after challenging spells at Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.
The Moroccan international joined Milan on loan in the January transfer window and has showed promise under new coach Clarence Seedorf as he looks to prove his quality after numerous problems on and off the field.
“With the Rossoneri there are all the conditions to allow me to show the best side of me. It’s true that my first few games were promising, but I need to keep it up,” the 24-year-old told Le Matin.
“There is no comparison between where I’ve been and where I am currently. Milan is a great club and I am well suited to it. There are all the conditions to let me give my best.
“I am fortunate to be at a great professional club, one that strives to ensure the players only have to focus on the pitch. When you are in a context like this, it makes you transcend your limitations.
“I flourished at Milan and it shows on the field. I am happy to join this great club and hope to stay as long as possible.”
It’s particularly surprising to see the January signing’s form considering he struggled to get into the first team at QPR and Fulham.
“I would say that I wasted two or three years of my career staying at QPR. I did not change or develop much in that time.
“People have judged me on my behaviour off the field and generally it was unfair. I’m not saying that I didn’t screw up, but it was a bit exaggerated. Now I hope they will judge me on my performance on the field.
“When you look at a player like Ricardo Kaka, he is class personified. A Ballon d’Or winner. When you play alongside this kind of player, it makes you want to work hard. Playing alongside professionals of this calibre, you learn and evolve.”
Taarabt has scored twice in four appearances for Milan since joining in January
