AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez has confirmed his desire to stay at the club as long as possible on the eve of the biggest game of his career.
Theo is one of the big reasons that Milan are able to play in their first Champions League quarter-final in over a decade as he was excellent in the tie against Spurs in the last 16, essentially setting up to the only goal and drawing a red card in the second leg to kill the contest.
The game against Napoli provides Milan with a chance to try and get one over on an Italian rival in the bid for a first semi-final appearance since 2006-07, but they face the runaway league leaders and replicating the 4-0 win earlier in the month will be very tough.
Theo spoke to the reporters who gathered for the pre-match press conference to preview the game, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Is it the most important match of your career?
“I think so, tomorrow will be a very good and important match.”
Has the 4-0 in the league changed the balance?
“I don’t think so. Tomorrow’s match is different from the league one. Napoli are strong, but we’ve prepared well.”
What is Milan for you? Do you dream of winning the Ballon d’Or?
“For me, wearing the captain’s armband is a great honour. I’ve been happy since my first day at this club. I don’t know if I’ll win the Ballon d’Or, obviously I’d like to but let’s just think about tomorrow’s match.”
What changes with Osimhen’s absence?
“Nothing changes for us, Napoli have many good players. Whoever replaces Osimhen will do well.”
How do you see yourself in five years? Still at Milan?
“I hope to stay here as long as possible. The future is not known, I only think about the present.”
Can Milan win the Champions League?
“Yes, we can win it, but now let’s think about tomorrow’s match. We have to do what we know how to do, we’ve worked well. We don’t know the future, let’s just think about tomorrow.”
Tomorrow you will also represent Italian football in Europe…
“Italian football is important, everyone knows that.”
Do you and Giroud feel like leaders?
“We always try to charge everyone. We have to talk to others and all take the field to give our all and win the match.”
How important is tomorrow’s game?
“It’s a very important match for me. We’ve prepared ourselves in the best possible way. We’re playing at San Siro, there’ll be 12 of us thanks to our fans.”
Why did you dye your hair blue?
“I made it blue because it was my son’s birthday.”
Will you start again from 4-0 in the league?
“The 4-0 has passed, now we’re just thinking about tomorrow and that’s it.”
Have you recovered from the defeat in the World Cup final?
“It wasn’t easy after the World Cup final, but now I’m getting back to my level. Now we’re just thinking about the Champions League.”
great guy!
Been following him since he came to Milan, fast,tough, and skilled. Pioli has finally let him have some offensive freedom to roam like Deschamps has with the French National team where he shines with assists and some goals. Only criticism is his temper which keeps him on the edge of suspension. We are deadly on the left side ,need more cross field passes to exploit the fact that defenses over load to the left with Theo and Raffe drawing so much attention. Milan Forever!
Great, I like what Theo is saying, and I understand that he is saying it to motivate his teammates and fans (thanks, Theo, you’re a great guy and we love you), but come on, are we really supposed to believe it?
Theo has just played the freaking World Cup Final alongside Mbappé and company, against Argentina & Messi and company, but a club quarterfinal (not even a semi or a final) in the UCL against a domestic rival is a bigger game than that one??? LOL