Strahinja Pavlović has made his stance on his future plain, telling Tuttosport that despite interest this summer he wants to remain at Milan and would welcome a renewal.
The Serbian has been one of the standout performers in the early weeks of the season, settling on the left of the back three and turning his forward runs into a regular feature under Ruben Amorim. His comfort in the new setup, and his words on staying, land at a moment when the defender is arguably enjoying his best spell since arriving.
Asked whether any club tried to sign him over the summer, Pavlović acknowledged the interest but was clear about his choice. “Opportunities are always there, every summer, and they happen to all players. But I didn’t want to leave. When I first spoke to Amorim, I realised I was an important player for him. A renewal? I’m happy here and I want to stay.”
Now in his third season at the club, he described feeling settled off the pitch too. “I really like being here and I feel great in Milan, a city where I have settled in well with my family, even though since my son was born, I have split my time between home and Milanello.”
Much of the interview turned on the shift from Massimiliano Allegri to Amorim, and how it has changed his game. Pavlović pointed to a higher line and more responsibility in possession. “The game has changed. Before, we were deep and started counterattacks, now we play higher up, and I have more space to cover behind me,” he said. “If before I could attack, knowing I had more teammates behind me, now I know that if I move forward, I can expose my zone. Also, after two years, the opponents know my characteristics, so it’s harder to surprise them.”
He credited Allegri for his defensive grounding while framing Amorim as the next stage. “I think it’s crucial for a defender to gain experience in Italy, and Allegri is one of the best coaches at teaching defending. With Amorim, we play more with the ball, and I will definitely be able to improve in other areas.”
On the coach himself, Pavlović offered a read of the man behind the demands. “He’s still a young coach, I like him because you can tell he understands what the players think and feel. On the pitch, as he should be, he’s tough and demands the best, but off it, he’s a kind and friendly person.”
Asked whether the new system means fewer goals from him, he waved it off. “Look, even if I never score and we win every game, that’s fine.”
He also revisited last season’s late collapse, tracing it back further than the final-day slip against Cagliari. “I think it all started with the defeat against Lazio after the victory in the second leg of the derby,” he said, citing a mental backlash and a drop in concentration once a Champions League place felt assured.
With Amorim already valuing him and Pavlović openly asking to stay, the ball on any renewal now sits with the club.