October 29 – November 1: Settling into Stardom
Training felt more relaxed now. Players like Bonucci, Kessié, and even the older Montolivo started treating Milan less like a talented kid and more like a teammate. They joked, they passed him the ball more in rondos, and during downtime, they included him in everything — even poker nights and locker room debates.
Coach Montella, never overly emotional, quietly took Milan aside one day.
"You're handling the spotlight well," he said. "But remember, Serie A defenders will learn. They'll kick you, double you, grab you. You need to keep evolving."
"I want to be unmarkable," Milan replied.
Montella smirked. "Then let's keep cooking."
Off the pitch, Milan's Instagram exploded to 3.5 million followers, up from 600k just a month earlier. His TikTok clips — especially a slowed-down dribble where he nutmegged Chiellini — went viral. Billie Eilish even stitched one of his videos on TikTok, giggling as she said: "Okay Milan, I see you!"
They met up again on October 30 at a cozy rooftop in Milan after her mini-showcase. She wore an oversized hoodie and green kicks.
"Did you like the show?" she asked, pulling her hoodie up.
"I liked the part where you smiled at me during your song," Milan grinned.
Billie laughed. "Oh, you noticed?"
They sat, legs dangling over the rooftop edge.
"I've been listening to don't smile at me," Milan said. "It's fire. You're blowing up."
"You're not doing too bad yourself, Mr. Villa," she said. "Soon everyone's going to want a piece of you."
He nodded, half-laughing. "They already trying."
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November 2 – Europa League: AEK Athens (2nd Leg)
After a tense 0–0 in the first leg, AC Milan came out sharp. Montella rested some starters, but Milan remained in the XI. The crowd in Athens was wild, flares lighting the sky like fireworks.
In the 28th minute, Milan picked up the ball near the halfway line, danced past two challenges with that same blurred dribbling style, and cut inside.
"Too far to shoot," the commentator muttered.
But Milan didn't hesitate. A sudden cut to the left, and then a thunderbolt from 40 yards. It swerved and dipped like a missile.
GOAL!
AEK Athens 0 – 1 AC Milan
AC Milan eventually won 2–0,After a late goal from suso sealing progression. After the final whistle,
Montella hugged him for the first time all season.
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November 5 – Serie A: Sassuolo (Matchday 12)
Back in the league, Milan was locked in. Sassuolo set up with five at the back, doubling him whenever he received the ball.
But he started having fun. In the 17th minute, he did four stepovers, rolled the ball between a defender's legs, and sent a rabona cross into the box. No goal. But the crowd rose to their feet.
By the 60th minute, frustration started to grow — no goal or assist yet. Then, out of nowhere, he picked the ball deep in midfield, evaded three challenges, and let fly a dipping strike from outside the box.
GOAL!
AC Milan 1 – 0 Sassuolo
The match ended 2–0. After a late goal from Cutrone.
Milan's impact was undeniable.
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November 6 – 17: The Contract Talks
Despite his rising stock, Milan was still on a youth contract. It was a technicality, but one he and Marcus weren't willing to ignore.
Multiple clubs had reached out — whispers from PSG, Arsenal, and even Real Madrid.
But Milan didn't flinch. "I'm not going anywhere," he told Marcus. "I'm AC Milan's future. They just need to realize it."
Marcus scheduled meetings with the board, pressuring for a professional deal that reflected Milan's value. Meanwhile, Milan doubled down on his fitness, watching old tapes of Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry. He began arriving at training earlier, staying later, asking the physios questions, learning recovery protocols.
He even bonded more with the club staff — security guards, the kit man, the cafeteria ladies.
One day, he brought gifts for the staff — headphones, sneakers, snacks. When asked why, he simply replied: "They're part of this team too."
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By November 17, AC Milan sat second in the table, unbeaten in their last five. Milan had become more than just a breakout star — he was now the heartbeat of the team. With the Nike deal set to launch worldwide in 2018, millions of followers online, and the entire football world watching, only one question remained:
Would Milan get the contract he deserved?
To be continued...