‘I was sick’ – Tammy Abraham didn’t sleep before bonkers Saudi cup win over Juventus
01/04/2025 07:28 AM
Tammy Abraham paid tribute to fans in Saudi Arabia for helping inspire AC Milan’s dramatic comeback 2-1 win over Juventus.
The ex-Chelsea striker helped seal the Rossoneri’s Supercoppa Italiana semi-final victory in Riyadh but almost missed the whole thing.
The former England international came off the bench at Al-Awwal Park in the 61st minute, with Milan trailing to Kenan Yildiz‘s goal.
However, within 15 minutes of Abraham’s introduction, the Red and Blacks completed a remarkable turnaround to claim a famous win.
The 27-year-old’s efforts were all the more impressive considering that he could have missed the contest due to illness.
Abraham admitted sickness prevented him from sleeping the night before but powered through to make the difference for his side.
He told MilanTV: "For my teammates, for this team, I would do anything.
"I want to win, I'm a winner. Last night I didn't get any sleep because I was sick, but today I was feeling better.
"The most important thing is we got the win."
Abraham’s old Chelsea teammate Christian Pulisic had levelled from the penalty spot on his return from a four-game calf injury.
In the absence of fellow winger Rafael Leao, new Milan boss Sergio Conceicao called upon Pulisic’s USMNT countryman Yunus Musah.
The latter ultimately grabbed the headlines late on by forcing an own goal off Juve defender Federico Gatti in bizarre circumstances.
Musah had attempted to cross for Abraham after his darting run down the right wing.
Fortunately for Milan, his delivery took a drastic deflection off Juve defender Federico Gatti that thwarted keeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Musah, who was once England Under-15 captain to Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and Cole Palmer, came through the ranks at Arsenal.
After going on to play for England’s Under-18s, he switched to play for USA, where he has made 41 caps since making his debut in 2020.
A product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, he left England – just like Musiala did in the same summer in 2019 – to join Valencia.
After three successful seasons in their first team, he joined Milan in a £17m move in 2023, where he is a key player for the San Siro outfit.
Musah’s heroics against Juventus ensured it was the perfect start to life in charge for ex-Porto manager Conceicao.
Conceicao, who replaced Paulo Fonseca at the helm on Monday, ironically ended the trophy hopes of his son Francisco, who was an unused substitute in the Juventus dugout.
On the 50-year-old’s half-time instructions, Abraham added: "He just told me to bring energy, he knows how much energy I can bring and how much I want to win.
"I think I played a good game but the work is not finished, an important final is on the cards."
On the fans, Abraham said: "Thank to you everyone who came to watch the game and supported us today. It was a beautiful atmosphere in a beautiful country, a beautiful support. We're so happy to be here and we can hear the fans singing the whole game. We're so thankful for them supporting us.
"It's my first time in this beautiful country and I'm so happy to be here. I knew how beautiful it was before I arrived but coming here you see more and I feel we're very privileged to host this tournament in this country and the support, like I said, has been amazing. See you all in the final on Monday!"
Milan will look to complete the job and lift the trophy when they battle city rivals Inter at the 25,000-capacity Riyadh stadium.
The Nerazzurri downed Europa League holders Atalanta 2-0 on Thursday but did lose 2-1 to AC in Serie A earlier this season.
