AC Milan centre-back Matteo Gabbia has reflected on his impressive Serie A debut for the club, as well declaring his future aspirations.
In Monday night’s 1-0 win over Torino at San Siro, Simon Kjaer pulled up with a muscle injury just before half time having put the ball out for a corner, and Mateo Musacchio was expected to take his place but couldn’t as he felt discomfort during the warm-ups.
As a result, Gabbia was thrown on by Stefano Pioli for his first ever league appearance for Milan and he did not disappoint, helping keep Andrea Belotti at bay as the Diavolo secured another vital win and a clean sheet.
Gabbia spoke to microphones of Milan TV about the experience, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.
“My debut was a fast but fantastic moment. I impressed them in my mind. I immediately thought of what I should have done on the pitch, so I’m happy in hindsight to have entered the right way and to have done well,” he said.
“Alessio is a splendid person, a captain who always transmits a lot of tranquility. I am happy to have had the opportunity to play my first 45 minutes with him and I hope there are others. He is a champion and I hope to improve just by watching him in training.
“The messages and the calls that came to me [after the match] were beautiful, there are many people who care about me and to whom I left a beautiful image. The most beautiful moments are certainly those that I spent with my family and my fiancée, thank you very much for always being by my side.”
On his biggest inspiration, he added: “My parents. Only they know how many times I have suffered, how many evenings I was in difficulty and have always tried to help me. They have always found the right word for me, they have been the most important figures for me also in football.
“My idol? I don’t have any in particular. I have become very fond of Thiago Silva and his style of play. I always liked De Rossi very much too, he gave a lot to his favoyrite team.”
On the match against Fiorentina: “It will be a very important match for everyone. I hope to play, the coach will make his choices.
“My goal is to win all the matches we are going to face and always do the best we can.”
🔴⚫️ "I want to always give my all for this club”
🗣 Matteo Gabbia's thoughts after his #SerieATIM debut🔴⚫ "Voglio sudare per questa maglia"
🗣 Le parole di Matteo Gabbia tra esordio in Serie A e Fiorentina#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/VWbizY3L8c— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 20, 2020
