AK
WHAT’S IT TO YA?
July 30, 2026
Ararsa Kitaba a.k.a. AK is a photographer based in Montreal and the Managing Editor of DARBY Magazine. He loves a classic 50/50 tackle, but nowadays his knees say no. He hates boots with colour but wears cut-off socks. Find him on a pitch shooting near you.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
What drew you to become an AC Milan supporter?
People know me more for being an open Chelsea fan, but Milan were the first club to catch my eye at a very young age. Feels a bit off, but as a kid in North America you don’t know supporting multiple clubs was bad. I don’t find myself carrying the Milan flag as much nowadays, but they always hold a soft spot in my heart.
Honestly, it was the jerseys that first caught my attention, I’m a sucker for black and red colourways, but then I noticed a certain player. Ricardo Kaka was weaving through players like a light breeze, and that experience really solidified the love for the club. Then I started to notice Seedorf and Pirlo bossing the midfield and finally King Maldini controlling the back lines.
During the golden era, Milan also had a host of black talent, which just resonated with me instantly. Not a lot, but the ones that were on the team really shined as the big talents and integral parts of the squad. Representation works!
This interview has been edited for clarity.
What drew you to become an AC Milan supporter?
People know me more for being an open Chelsea fan, but Milan were the first club to catch my eye at a very young age. Feels a bit off, but as a kid in North America you don’t know supporting multiple clubs was bad. I don’t find myself carrying the Milan flag as much nowadays, but they always hold a soft spot in my heart.
Honestly, it was the jerseys that first caught my attention, I’m a sucker for black and red colourways, but then I noticed a certain player. Ricardo Kaka was weaving through players like a light breeze, and that experience really solidified the love for the club. Then I started to notice Seedorf and Pirlo bossing the midfield and finally King Maldini controlling the back lines.
During the golden era, Milan also had a host of black talent, which just resonated with me instantly. Not a lot, but the ones that were on the team really shined as the big talents and integral parts of the squad. Representation works!
What is your most memorable moment as an AC Milan supporter?
The 2007 UCL Win was the most memorable because I missed a lot of the club’s past glory being so young, but I finally got to see them lift the trophy. Especially after Istanbul and beating Liverpool made the moment extra special. YouTube videos helped me really learn about the history and relive those great moments.
It’s a dark era right now, so I’m constantly living in the past when watching games.
If you could describe what AC Milan means to you in one sentence, how would you describe it?
Historical greatness with some fire kits.
The 2007 UCL Win was the most memorable because I missed a lot of the club’s past glory being so young, but I finally got to see them lift the trophy. Especially after Istanbul and beating Liverpool made the moment extra special. YouTube videos helped me really learn about the history and relive those great moments.
It’s a dark era right now, so I’m constantly living in the past when watching games.
If you could describe what AC Milan means to you in one sentence, how would you describe it?
Historical greatness with some fire kits.
Every supporter has their Mount Rushmore for players they’d love to meet. Who’s on your AC Milan Mount Rushmore?
Kaka - Obviously, I got close to him during his visit to Toronto for pre-season with Madrid, I may have fangirled, but that’s for another story.
Maldini - I need to ask for defending wisdom.
Seedorf - I need his leg workout routines.
Inzaghi - Show me the ways of the elite poacher so I can lock up strikers as a defender.
Honourable mention would be Thiago Silva. Young CB that wasn’t appreciated at the time for his greatness. Let's throw in Baresi for the old heads as well.
If you could bring any player, past or present, to AC Milan right now, who would it be and why?
The dream answer would be Dembele because he would absolutely tear up Serie A. Everything is still so defensive in Italy, so he would be able to break up those back lines. Realistic answer, knowing the limitations of spending in Italy right now, would be Rashford. He’s still got the legs, and for the price he would fit into the budget.
Kaka - Obviously, I got close to him during his visit to Toronto for pre-season with Madrid, I may have fangirled, but that’s for another story.
Maldini - I need to ask for defending wisdom.
Seedorf - I need his leg workout routines.
Inzaghi - Show me the ways of the elite poacher so I can lock up strikers as a defender.
Honourable mention would be Thiago Silva. Young CB that wasn’t appreciated at the time for his greatness. Let's throw in Baresi for the old heads as well.
If you could bring any player, past or present, to AC Milan right now, who would it be and why?
The dream answer would be Dembele because he would absolutely tear up Serie A. Everything is still so defensive in Italy, so he would be able to break up those back lines. Realistic answer, knowing the limitations of spending in Italy right now, would be Rashford. He’s still got the legs, and for the price he would fit into the budget.
Supporting Milan but mostly everyone knows you as a Chelsea supporter, how does that work?
I’m not perfect, but as I said before, I was young and watched a lot of basketball growing up. I had jerseys from different players and teams, so I thought footy was the same.
Nowadays I’m fully invested in Chelsea even though the direction of the club has been the bane of my existence. I do enjoy watching games from all across the leagues if I notice a good matchup. I’ll hop into the Scottish League and French League, and I’ve also caught myself watching a Saudi League game. I’m watching more Serie A games because of Ismaël Koné, even though Sassuolo is Milan’s bogey team.
As the great Vuj once said, I’m just trying to have a nice.
I’m not perfect, but as I said before, I was young and watched a lot of basketball growing up. I had jerseys from different players and teams, so I thought footy was the same.
Nowadays I’m fully invested in Chelsea even though the direction of the club has been the bane of my existence. I do enjoy watching games from all across the leagues if I notice a good matchup. I’ll hop into the Scottish League and French League, and I’ve also caught myself watching a Saudi League game. I’m watching more Serie A games because of Ismaël Koné, even though Sassuolo is Milan’s bogey team.
As the great Vuj once said, I’m just trying to have a nice.
