Chaka Traore Opens Up on Milan Exit, Backs Primavera Project: ‘I Believe’

FolioPitch.com – 30 July 2026 | In a candid interview, former AC Milan winger Chaka Traore reflects on his five-year journey with the Rossoneri, his bittersweet departure, and his unwavering belief in the club’s youth project. Traore discusses leaving Milan hope for Primavera teammates and the project I believe in a conversation that sheds light on the challenges young talents face at a top club.

Traore, now at Partizan Belgrade, joined Milan’s academy in 2021 and made a stunning start to his senior career, scoring on his first Serie A start against Empoli and also netting in the Coppa Italia. However, those bright flashes never translated into consistent opportunities. Over five seasons, he managed only four senior appearances for the first team, a statistic that might suggest Milan’s reluctance to trust youth. But Traore strongly refutes that notion.

“It’s not true that AC Milan doesn’t focus on young players,” Traore said. “AC Milan focused on us: me, Bartesaghi, Kevin Zeroli, Camarda. They got answers from all of us, and they’re a club that’s also building an Under-23 project, so it takes time.” He added, “Traore discusses leaving Milan hope for Primavera teammates and the project I believe — it’s a process, and I’m convinced it will achieve great things with the young players too.”

The Ivorian winger’s departure to Partizan came as little surprise after a loan spell at Palermo last season. Yet, he remains grateful for his time at Milan. “AC Milan can’t be explained, you know? It will always remain in my heart,” he said, recalling his debut goals and the support of then-coach Stefano Pioli. “When he gave me the opportunity, I seized it immediately. Scoring two goals in the same week was a dream.”

Traore also addressed the criticism that Milan’s youth pathway is blocked, pointing to the club’s newly formed Under-23 team as proof of commitment. He expressed hope that future Primavera stars like Francesco Camarda and Kevin Zeroli will get more chances. “I believe in AC Milan’s project and I’m convinced it will achieve great things with the young players too. Looking at the Under-23s, there’s so much talent. I hope that in the future they’ll place even more faith in the boys,” he said.

Despite his limited minutes, Traore insists he never felt entitled. “Did I get a big head? No, absolutely not. After those goals, I told myself: this is just the beginning.” He also acknowledged the difficulty of breaking into a squad filled with champions. “When you have champions in front of you, it’s not easy. It takes time and sooner or later more minutes will come.”

The interview also touched on the managerial changes at Milan, with Pioli, Fonseca, and Conceição all having stints during Traore’s time. He admitted he would have liked more playing time but was happy to be part of the group that won the Italian Super Cup in Riyadh.

As Traore embarks on a new chapter in Serbia, his words serve as a reminder that not every young talent’s path is linear. Yet his optimism for Milan’s youth project remains steadfast. Traore discusses leaving Milan hope for Primavera teammates and the project I believe — a sentiment that may resonate with many young players navigating the demanding world of elite football.

In conclusion, Traore’s journey from Milan’s Primavera to Partizan Belgrade illustrates the challenges of breaking through at a top club. His faith in the club’s direction, despite his own limited opportunities, underscores the importance of patience and perspective. For Milan’s current youngsters, his story offers both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration.