Cesc Fabregas Reveals Why Mattia Liberali Chose Como Over AC Milan Return

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | In a transfer saga that gripped Italian football this summer, Cesc Fabregas explains how Liberali was convinced to pick Como over Milan return: “He knows”. The young attacking midfielder Mattia Liberali was at the centre of a fierce battle between his former club AC Milan and ambitious Como, and ultimately opted for the latter, a decision that has forced the Rossoneri to reassess their youth strategy.

Liberali, a product of Milan’s youth academy, had been expected to return to the San Siro after a loan spell. However, Como’s persistent pursuit, led by their manager Cesc Fabregas, proved decisive. The Spanish coach, speaking at the Festival dello Sport, shed light on the persuasive pitch that swayed the teenager. “I told him clearly that we weren’t taking him because he’s Italian, but for the way he plays, his personality, his character, his ability to perform even in unfavourable situations,” Fabregas said. “He has other players ahead of him at the moment, but if he does the right things, he knows full well that I don’t care how old he is.”

That straightforward message resonated with Liberali, who was also enticed by the prospect of Champions League football with Como, a club that has been making waves with its ambitious project. Milan, on the other hand, pulled out all the stops to bring him back, with owner Gerry Cardinale personally involved in the negotiations. Despite their efforts, the youngster chose the challenge at Como, leaving Milan to rue what might have been.

The failed pursuit had immediate repercussions at Milan. Cardinale, reportedly frustrated by the outcome, has since committed to securing several young talents on long-term contracts, aiming to prevent similar situations in the future. This shift in policy underscores the importance Milan now places on locking down their academy stars early.

Fabregas explains how Liberali was convinced to pick Como over Milan return He knows, and the coach’s words highlight a meritocratic approach that appeals to young players. “He knows full well that I don’t care how old he is,” Fabregas reiterated, emphasizing that performance, not age or nationality, dictates playing time. This philosophy has already attracted several promising players to Como, and Liberali is expected to be the next in line for significant minutes.

For Milan, the loss of Liberali is a bitter pill to swallow, but it may also serve as a catalyst for change. The club has already begun tying down other prospects to long-term deals, ensuring that they don’t lose more talent to rivals. Meanwhile, Liberali’s development at Como will be closely monitored, and should he fulfill his potential, Milan may come to regret their inability to close the deal.

Fabregas explains how Liberali was convinced to pick Como over Milan return He knows, and that knowledge could haunt Milan for years to come. The midfielder’s decision was not taken lightly; he weighed the offer from his boyhood club against the promise of regular football and a clear pathway to first-team action at Como. In the end, the allure of working with a coach who values ability over reputation proved too strong to resist.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Liberali to see if he can justify the faith shown in him. For Fabregas, the capture of such a highly-rated youngster is a coup that signals Como’s growing stature in Italian football. For Milan, it is a reminder that even the biggest clubs cannot rest on their laurels when it comes to nurturing young talent.

In conclusion, the Liberali saga is a fascinating case study in modern football transfers. It demonstrates the power of a compelling vision and the importance of personal relationships in recruitment. While Milan may have lost this battle, the war for talent is far from over. Both clubs will continue to vie for the best young players, and Liberali’s career will be a testament to the decision he made this summer. Only time will tell if he made the right choice, but for now, he is a Como player, and Fabregas’s persuasive powers have once again proven effective.