Matteo Gabbia has spoken about his role within the AC Milan squad, the inconsistencies this season and the latest on his renewal.
Gabbia has been one of the bright spots of 2024 for Milan so far, after returning early from his loan at Villarreal. He has earned Paulo Fonseca’s trust and – thanks to the performances in the second part of last season plus his derby winner – he has become a fan favourite.
With the arrival of Strahinja Pavlovic it looked as though the Italian would have to fight hard for his spot again, but the Italian remains perhaps the most consistent and reliable option. He has, however, missed the last few games with a calf injury.
Discussions over a contract renewal have been spoken about for a few months, with the club aiming to recognise the fact that he has become a leader, setting standards with his dedication to the shirt of his boyhood club.
Gabbia was present at an event launching the ‘125 Years of Milan’ photobook last night and he gave an exclusive interview to SportMediaset, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Could it be that there isn’t another Gabbia in the squad, and there are only other central defenders?
“I think that within the squad, I said it after a match, we also have other central defenders who are very good, who are very complete, who bring our level up in training, because there is a lot of competition in this role here.
“Obviously I try to do my best when I am called upon. I have my characteristics and I try to put them to the service of the team. Then obviously my teammates have great skills, I respect them and I support them in everything as they do with me.
“So I try to exploit my abilities and then I am sure that with the help of all our team-mates we will be able to do better this season.”
Is it a coincidence that this team excels in bigger matches?
“No, I don’t think it’s a coincidence. I think that nothing happens like that, by chance. I think that our abilities are very high.
“We are a strong team, made up of great individuals, but we must try to bring the level of attention in each match to the maximum level so as not to perhaps concede mistakes that sometimes happen, but which in my opinion do not do justice to the level of our team.
“Consequently, we must understand that we still have important responsibilities and try to put 100% of our attention in each match, then leave the field without regrets.”
Milan are a bit behind in the title fight…
“Time is certainly needed but I don’t think it can be an alibi or an excuse. Obviously we are not happy with the points we have in the league, as other team-mates of mine have already said, as the coach said.
“We wanted to have more points in the league but what we have done cannot be changed. We must try to face the matches from next week with even greater concentration, strength and dedication to then try to have an important future.”
Do you still believe in the Scudetto?
“Milan deserves to be an ambitious club, and we must be an ambitious team. Because as I said before, we have so many very strong, valid players, and consequently I think our objectives must be maximum.
“Then this depends a lot on us. Our objective when we go on the pitch is to win all the games, then once we are further ahead we will understand where we can get to.”
How is Leao?
“It certainly counts to have a 100% Rafa in the game with us. Then it’s obvious that every player goes through moments that are more or less good. Fortunately, Rafa’s are much better than the so-so ones. But I’m very happy with what he’s done.
“He’s a guy who has always smiled, who is working well, who is trying to work hard even in the defensive phase. Consequently, we are super proud of what he’s doing and we are always by his side, even when maybe outside he receives a bit of criticism, a bit of rumours that obviously aren’t nice.
“But we know how much he’s worth, that he’s a great champion and so we pamper him and we know that he will give us a lot back.”
Is your idea to stay with Milan?
“We spoke with my agent and the club. We are talking, they know that Milan is a dream for me and they know that I am not in a hurry or in a need to sign tomorrow because I already have a contract, so I am very calm and very happy.
“Obviously I would be even happier with a renewal, because for me this shirt is truly a dream come true, but as I said before, I am happy and I enjoy my daily life with this shirt on without worrying.”
“Obviously I would be even happier with a renewal, because for me this shirt is truly a dream come true, but as I said before, I am happy and I enjoy my daily life with this shirt on without worrying”
Brilliant! That’s my guy!