Adrien Rabiot told to ‘respect money he earns’ after criticism of Australia plan

AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been told to “respect the money he earns” by Serie A’s chief executive after the Frenchman described the idea of playing a match against Como in Australia as “totally crazy”.

The match in Perth is set to take place in February, with UEFA reluctantly giving its approval on Monday.

Rabiot told French newspaper Le Figaro: “I was surprised when I learned that AC Milan will be playing a Serie A match against Como… in Australia!

“It’s totally crazy. But these are economic agreements to give the league more visibility, things that are beyond us. There’s a lot of talk about schedules and player health, and this all seems truly absurd.

“It’s crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always.”

Serie A chief executive Luigi De Siervo hit back at Rabiot on Wednesday.

“Rabiot is right, we decide for him. He forgets that he is paid millions of euros to do a job – play football,” De Siervo said in quotes reported in the Italian media.

“He should respect the money he earns, and accept the wishes of his employer, Milan, who pushed to play this match abroad.”

Villarreal and Barcelona are also preparing to play a LaLiga match in Miami in December.

UEFA insists these matches have been given “exceptional” approval and that the decision to do so does not set a precedent.