Theo Hernandez: “There were many teams that wanted me, but I only thought about Milan”

Theo Hernandez has confirmed that there were other teams that expressed an interest in trying to sign him, but renewing his contract with AC Milan was the only thing on his mind.

Milan have officially announced that defender Theo Hernandez has extended his contract with the club until 2026 via a statement on their website. The left-back joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2019 and immediately showed his qualities on the pitch, earning a spot in the starting line-up that he has not since relinquished, also forcing his way into the French national team.

According to MilanNews, Theo will get a pay rise to around €4m net per season as a reward for his hard work. He arrived at Casa Milan around 15:40, and then did a live broadcast on TikTok to give his reaction after putting pen to paper.

“I’m very happy. From the first day I arrived here I had a great time with the coach, the team, Maldini and everyone. That’s why I renewed. Now we have to continue like this and do things well,” he began.

“It is true that there were many teams that wanted me, but I only thought about Milan and staying here. I’m here with the fans. I’m really happy here, with friends and team-mates, engaged with a baby on the way. I’m really happy.”

What did Maldini and Massara tell you?

“We joked a bit … But what he wanted to say to me he already told me when I came here. I know what he said to me from day one.”

One of the best full-backs in the world has decided to stay at Milan…

“I’m still young, I have to grow day by day. I don’t have to say if I’m better than others, people have to say that. Pioli has improved me in everything, both as a person and in the game; from the first day I arrived he has said I have to do what I know and now I am doing it. People, my family and my team-mates help me.”

Your qualities are known to everyone …

“I like attacking rather than defending. My idea, when I get the ball, is to go to goal… Then if someone is there I pass it (laughs). Our left wing is devastating. Rafa is an incredible player, fast and technical; but he is young, he still needs to grow.”

When a defender sees you aiming a shot, what does he think?

“Holy sh**. I have to get out of here!”

On 6 January you wore the AC Milan captain’s armband for the first time…

“The coach told me, but I thought it was a joke. It was true, I hoped to keep it for even longer.”

Did the chemistry of the Milan squad help you sign?

“We are a beautiful family. Sometimes we all go out together, we are like a family. This is why I stayed here, because I am happy with the fans and with my team-mates.”

How do you experience a pre-game?

“I’m calm, I don’t have anxiety in the days before the game. The day of the game I concentrate, I think about what I have to do to give everything.”

What has been the best day since you’ve been at Milan?

“The first day was the best. It’s not easy when you don’t play for another team, you don’t have this confidence. Here they gave me confidence and thanks to that I became the player I am.”

Milan, in recent years, have been playing very well …

“We have been playing well for a long time. It is a beautiful and wonderful moment. We must continue like this. Football is fun, you have to have fun and if you don’t have fun you can’t play. Even in training we laugh, but then when we have to do things we do them.”

AC Milan fans love Theo Hernandez!

“It’s an incredible love. Thanks to the fans who love me so much, I think it’s because I’m doing things well. I promise to cheer with the T at the next goal for all the fans. Thank you all, the story continues with me here. Forza Milan, always!”

READ MORE: Pioli able to count on a reliable spine as Milan aim to continue Scudetto charge