Gabbia ‘overjoyed’ with armband debut and thanks Pulisic: “A very fond memory”

Matteo Gabbia spoke to the media after AC Milan’s 3-0 win against Udinese and he was happier than usual, since he wore the captain’s armband for the first time. 

Due to the injuries of Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao, Gabbia got to wear the captain’s armband for Milan tonight. He has worn it in games before, but never from start, so tonight’s game was certainly a milestone for the academic product.

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After the game, as transcribed by MilanNews, he spoke to Sky Italia and shared his thoughts on wearing the armband. He also thanked Christian Pulisic for making it an even better night with the win, while praising Max Allegri and his staff.

The armband, a dream?

“I’m obviously overjoyed, a dream came true tonight. I’m even happier because, thanks also to Christian [Pulisic], this will be a very fond memory.

“I hope it’s the last because I want Rafa and Mike to return as soon as possible; they’re our captains and they’re crucial. The armband? I’m taking it home.”

Does Allegri provide certainty?

“The coach provides us with certainty through his work every week. We’re following him and his staff. I always want to applaud them for being up front, they make our lives easier. We have to keep going like this.”

Can this Milan side go far?

“We have to think game by game, training session by training session, and then in the spring we’ll see where we are, as our coach says.”

Milan will be up against Lecce next in the Coppa Italia and some rotation is definitely expected. In other words, it remains to be seen if Gabbia will play from start then as well. It could potentially be another opportunity to wear the armband from the first minute.