Musah’s Milan Revival: American Midfielder Eyes Derby Glory Alongside Idol Modric

FolioPitch.com – 30 October 2026 | As the Milan derby approaches, Yunus Musah has opened up about his remarkable turnaround at AC Milan, his gratitude to coach Ruben Amorim, and the surreal experience of sharing a midfield with childhood idol Luka Modric. In a wide-ranging interview with CBS Sports, Musah talks second chance at Milan upcoming derby Modric and other team-mates, offering a rare glimpse into his mindset ahead of Saturday night’s crucial clash.

Musah’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After spending last season on loan at Atalanta—where Massimiliano Allegri deemed him surplus to requirements—the American returned to Milan in the summer when the Bergamo club opted not to exercise their purchase option. Many expected him to be packing his bags again, but new head coach Ruben Amorim saw something different. The Portuguese tactician placed significant faith in Musah, deploying him in a deeper midfield role that has unlocked his potential. The 22-year-old has since become Milan’s most-used central midfielder this season, a remarkable feat given the uncertainty surrounding his future just months ago.

“There’s still a long way to go, but after losing a season, I’ve learned that even in crucial moments, you have to keep going,” Musah said. “Now I’m really keen to stay. I want to stay at this club and do really well here. The coach is helping me a lot, giving me opportunities that I need to seize.” That sense of gratitude permeates every answer, and it’s clear that Musah talks second chance at Milan upcoming derby Modric and other team-mates with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

When asked about the instructions from Amorim’s coaching staff, Musah emphasized the clarity and teamwork that have defined his revival. “Nothing complicated. The coaching staff works as a team, so the entire team knows exactly what each member is doing,” he explained. “They give us all the necessary instructions: how to receive the ball, how to read the various moments of the game, and how to interpret the play according to their instructions. This allows me to step onto the pitch without any hesitation. It’s a huge help, because when you step onto the pitch, you know exactly what you have to do.”

Life at Milan comes with unique pressures, something Musah has learned to navigate. “Sometimes at the supermarket, when there aren’t many people, someone still stares at me, everyone wants to say hello or ask me something because everyone knows and watches AC Milan,” he revealed. “Then, at a club where winning every single match is crucial, other teams approach AC Milan differently: for them, it’s the most important match of the season. Every match is difficult, everything has changed. Sometimes, to escape this celebrity aura, I go shopping at the supermarket at night.”

The presence of Luka Modric has been a dream come true for Musah, who has admired the Croatian maestro for over a decade. “Yes, I try to enjoy the moment and the time I can spend with him. It won’t be many years, so I really appreciate every moment we spend together in midfield,” Musah said. “In the past, when he played for Real Madrid, I managed to get a shirt. The world of football is really small, but now we find ourselves playing together, side by side in midfield. It’s unreal. It’s fantastic to share the dressing room with him, to be on the pitch with him. I’m learning so many things on the pitch just by watching him. Sometimes we speak Spanish, he speaks both English and Spanish well.” As Musah talks second chance at Milan upcoming derby Modric and other team-mates, the mutual respect and camaraderie within the squad shine through.

The derby itself carries immense weight, and Musah is fully aware of its significance. “It’s a different game than the others. When you train for the derby, it’s more special. You don’t have to tell any of your teammates how important the game is or that they need to focus on it,” he stated. “Everyone is focused, working hard because it’s incredibly important for our fans, for us. It’s the game where, when you win, it’s like you’ve won a trophy. I’m very focused on this match.”

Balancing focus on the derby with the matches leading up to it is a challenge Musah handles with maturity. “I think before the match, we all know the derby is close, but we’re focusing on the games we have to play first, then when the match comes, we’ll think about it. Clearly, it’s very important to win and take home the three points.”

Growing up, Musah idolized Ronaldinho, a player he watched more through highlights than live matches. “I really liked Ronaldinho, but I didn’t watch much football back then. I watched him more later, even through highlights. When I was little, I played football a lot more than I watched it,” he recalled. “I enjoyed playing. Every day I’d go out with my brother and my friends and we’d spend hours playing. I love those days, out in the street playing. Anyway, Ronaldinho was a great player, and that’s why I chose the number 80 when I arrived at Milan.”

Musah also offered light-hearted insights into his teammates. He tipped Matteo Gabbia as the most likely to become a coach due to his tactical acumen, while Diego Moreira—not Rafael Leao—was his pick for social media influencer. Ruben Loftus-Cheek earned the dubious honor of worst roommate, and Mario Gila was singled out for constantly losing essentials, prompting Musah to suggest AirTags as a Christmas gift. As for surviving on a desert island, Musah backed himself: “I’m very resourceful, you know? I wouldn’t let the pressure get me down. I’d work hard, I’d try to find everything I needed to survive, I’d go fishing.”

With the derby looming, Musah’s confidence in his team is unwavering. When asked who would win, he simply laughed and said, “Milan.” That belief, coupled with his personal resurgence, encapsulates the spirit of a player who has seized his second chance. As Musah talks second chance at Milan upcoming derby Modric and other team-mates, it’s clear that the American midfielder is no longer just grateful for the opportunity—he’s determined to make the most of it.

In conclusion, Yunus Musah’s transformation from loanee outcast to indispensable midfielder is a testament to resilience and the right environment. Under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, he has found his footing, and the prospect of lining up alongside Luka Modric in the derby is a dream realized. For Milan, his rise could be the catalyst for a successful season, starting with Saturday’s showdown.