Former AC Milan forward Adel Taarabt revealed details from his spell at the Italian club, recalling a training ground clash that turned physical with club legend Kaká after a disagreement during a training drill.
Adel Taarabt Recalls Physical Training Ground Confrontation With Kaká
In a detailed interview published by the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 37-year-old Moroccan attacker opened up about his time with the Rossoneri, recounting episodes that highlighted the intense pressure and competitive friction within the squad. Among the revelations was an altercation involving Brazilian playmaker Kaká during a tactical training exercise focusing on attack versus defense.
According to Taarabt, the dispute erupted when he chose not to pass the ball to Kaká during a practice sequence. The Brazilian veteran reacted by shouting at him continuously for minutes. The situation escalated when the Moroccan lost his composure, admitting, “At one point, I grabbed him by the neck. I briefly lost my temper. In the end, we apologized to each other.”
Clashes with Ignazio Abate and Managing Difficult Reputations
The incident with Kaká was not an isolated occurrence of training ground tension during Taarabt’s stint in Milan. The winger frequently crossed paths with Italian fullback Ignazio Abate, whose vocal on-field instructions often tested his patience. Taarabt noted that Abate constantly directed his movements—telling him where to run, press, and defend—until a boiling point was reached, prompting a blunt retort to tell him to keep quiet.
During the interview, Taarabt addressed his reputation as a difficult character to manage, acknowledging that he played with a distinct individual flair. He noted that his penchant for skill moves—including sombrero flicks, elasticos, and stepovers—often frustrated opponents. He also recalled that teammate Mario Balotelli once compared his playing style to that of Brazilian star Neymar.
Reflecting on his interactions with coaching staff during substitutions, Taarabt admitted to a stubborn refusal to accept being withdrawn easily. Away from the pitch, he embraced the social life of the city, mentioning that players frequently visited the Hollywood Milan nightclub after Sunday fixtures.
The End of the Milan Spell Under Filippo Inzaghi
Taarabt also discussed the conclusion of his time at the San Siro in 2014, when the club opted against offering him a permanent contract following an initial loan spell from Queens Park Rangers. He placed responsibility for the decision squarely on then-head coach Filippo Inzaghi, stating simply that the manager did not want to keep him despite strong individual performances that yielded four goals and two assists.
The winger singled out his Champions League debut against Atlético Madrid as a high point that ultimately contributed to personal frustration. Having delivered a standout performance in the first leg, he anticipated securing a permanent transfer, a prospect that did not materialize and left him deeply disappointed. Alongside his departure from Milan, Taarabt pointed to a failed transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain as one of the major regrets of his professional career.
