This season, AC Milan have spoken about the Champions League as the goal constantly. However, Matteo Gabbia now has a target for next year.
There has been a lot said about the Champions League this season, perhaps even to a boring level. At every chance, the squad has replied that their goals are not as lofty as the Scudetto, at least not publicly.
Instead, they wanted to get back into Europe’s top competition and then work from there. That goal is almost achieved, the wish has been manifested via the hard work at Milanello. But it is not an endpoint. Now, it moves to the next target.
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Gabbia’s dreams and pleas
For Gabbia, that would be returning to the top of the table with Milan. Indeed, the Italian wants to win the Scudetto and as a leader of the squad, he will be enforcing similar demands on his teammates. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, via MilanNews, he voiced his desires.
Matteo Gabbia, you know the number 46 jersey. Are you a Valentino Rossi fan?
“No, it’s the year my grandmother Adriana was born, my first fan, along with my grandfather Gilberto. They’ve been season ticket holders at San Siro, the first orange tier, for forty years. As a child, they used to carry me, I’d sit on their laps: that’s how I became a fan.
“When I made my Serie A debut in 2020, I looked up and, among 80,000 people, I saw them clearly. It was a complete circle.”
From Milanello to Fagnano Olona, where he grew up, it’s 10 kilometres…
“Eight, passing through the woods. As a kid, my cousin and I used to ride our bikes to watch our stars: Maldini, Nesta, and Shevchenko. I joined the youth team at 13.”
What does AC Milan mean to you?
“An extended family. We’re all Rossoneri fans: dad, uncles. If we lose, they’ll sulk at home.”
What was missing this year for the Scudetto?
“I don’t know, but I think we did our best. We deserve credit for the strongest team and congratulations. I know it’s hard for the fans to accept, and it’s hard for me too, but in sport you have to be able to accept the result. We also have to keep in mind that we started from eighth place.”
Is the goal for next season to win the Scudetto with a second star?
“It has to be, of course. When you’re at Milan, you play to win. It’s a privilege.”
Will Allegri still be there? You’ve made an explicit endorsement in recent days…
“The coach is crucial for us. He’ll decide, obviously, but we in the dressing room all hope he stays. He’s brought a breath of fresh air. Look at the defence: we’re now the second best in Europe after Arsenal. He’s happy with us, he always tells us so.”
And will Modric stay?
“We put pressure on him every day. But it’s his lifestyle choice.”
Leao’s future is also up in the air.
“Sometimes there’s too much nastiness towards Rafa. We, his teammates, know how strong he is. And we’d like to continue together.”
National Chapter. You were absent in Bosnia due to injury. We’re sitting out for the third time in a row since the World Cup. Is it the too many foreigners in Serie A that’s to blame?
“An open wound for all fans. I suffered in front of the TV, but I feel as responsible as the boys who were there. I believe Italians should only play if they’re good. Only merit will save us. The foreigners aren’t to blame, they’re not the problem. If you’re good, you play. Italian or not.”
There’s a before and after in his career: when he returned from a six-month loan spell at Villarreal in Spain in 2023, he was a different person…
“An experience away from your comfort zone is good for everyone. It’s advice I’d like to give beyond football. I’m 26, and I tell my peers that a stint abroad improves you: you mature, you change your ways, you overcome unnecessary fears. And then it’s a question of confidence: you only find it by putting yourself out there.”
What would he have done if he hadn’t been a footballer?
“A real estate agent. Or a clerk in a nice shop. I like being with people, talking, finding a connection.”
Is that why they always send you to the press room after defeats?
“I don’t hold back if I have to put my face on the line.”
His wife, Federica, recently vented her anger at the haters who targeted her after a defeat. What’s her relationship with social media?
“It should be used sparingly. Beyond a certain point, it can bring negative energy.”
The side parting, the shirt tucked in: he looks like a good guy. Not even a tattoo?
“None. I like them on others, not on myself. I’m fine with myself; everyone has their own style.”
How much does money matter?
“My parents taught me the importance of simplicity. I used to live in the centre of Milan, now we’ve moved to Legnano. The garden, the dog, the silence, the walk in the park: we’re into the little things. And in a few weeks, a little girl will be born, and she’ll be named Vittoria.
“Money matters, and anyone who says otherwise is lying. For a vacation, for the kids’ education, for worry-free living. But they can’t buy everything. I’ve discovered this now that my grandmother isn’t feeling well anymore. We are what we are, not what we own.”
What dreams do you have for the future?
“The Champions League, one day. But before that, the Scudetto with the second star. To dedicate it to her.”
What a man, what a Milanista. And no my eyes didn’t tear up while reading the story of his grandparents, that was just the wind throwing some dust in my face.