Mario Gila has shed some light on his path to joining AC Milan, insisting the Europa League is a target they must aim for.
Gila was one of the summer signings that many Milan fans were excited about given how well he had done at Lazio. Sure enough, after four games in Serie A he is already showing himself to be a high-level central defender, playing on the right side of a three.
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The Spaniard’s tenacity and aggression enable Ruben Amorim to deploy the high line he wants, while his ability on the ball help the build-up phase too. Simply put, he is already looking like a bargain at €30m including bonuses.
In an exclusive interview with UEFA, Gila discussed his journey to now, his development as a player, and the importance of having great team-mates plus a coach who wants to get the best from everyone.
You came through the Real Madrid youth system and are now at AC Milan. How do you feel?
“I’m very happy because, as a child, you dream of reaching goals like this. It’s hard to imagine reaching this high in football. I’m proud of all the work I’ve done and the support I’ve received along the way. Now I can’t wait to show what I can do, help the team, and, above all, achieve great results here.”
How important will your experience at Lazio be for you at Milan? What have you learned over the years?
“I learned most from difficult times, which helped me mature and become a stronger player. At Lazio, I experienced good and bad times, but the difficulties taught me more than anything else and kept me grounded.
“Every coach I’ve had, from Sarri to Tudor and Baroni, has left me something. Today, I’m at Milan thanks in part to everything I experienced at Lazio and Real Madrid.”
Milan have a great tradition of defenders. Maldini, Nesta, Baresi: have they always been role models for you?
“As a kid, I watched a lot of football, but I wasn’t yet aware of the importance of that AC Milan team. As I grew older, I began to get to know those players better, and Maldini always impressed me: for me, he’s the best central defender ever.
“Nesta and Baresi were also role models. When you arrive at AC Milan, you have a very clear image of what it means to be a defender at this club.”
Speaking of legends, you reunited with Luka Modrić, whom you met at Real Madrid. What does it mean to play alongside him today?
“It’s amazing to think of being a teammate of such an important figure today. As time goes by, you realise you’re achieving your dreams, playing alongside people you knew as a kid.
“It’s an honour to play with him, learn from him, and talk to him. He’s an incredibly humble person, and I think he can help me a lot, both personally and as a team.”
His mentality is contagious: does seeing a champion like him work so hard inspire you to follow his example?
“After a career like his, he continues to run for every ball and give his all in every play. It’s a very positive mentality, and it’s the right one to achieve the great things he’s achieved. Win or lose, but the intention to give everything must always be there.”
What impression did Rúben Amorim and his approach to football make on you?
“He’s a coach who demands a lot from the team and the players, and I think he can bring many positive things. He has a very aggressive style of play and a very European mentality, in line with modern football.
“We see it in our games: we want to be aggressive, win, and win the ball back in the attacking third. He’s also very close to the players, and that’s important.”
With such an attacking style of play, how difficult is it for a defender to play with such a high line?
“It’s difficult because it all comes down to the last centimetre, the last millimetre. You have to be very careful in your coverage and on your opponent.
“But if we work well with the high line, we’re coordinated and communicate well, we can allow the team to play very high and also help them defensively.”
Milan have European DNA, but have never won the Europa League. How important is it for you to aim for this competition?
“It’s very important, because we have to aim to win every competition we participate in. We’re in the Europa League and we have to be totally focused on winning it. Adding another European trophy to Milan’s trophy cabinet would be wonderful.”
