2 weeks ago
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Matteo Gabbia, in the past year, has become a focal point of AC Milan. Why? Because the fans can align with him, he is one of them.
There are certain players that you wish to do well as a football fan. It may be someone you enjoy watching, or it could be someone you want to be better. The most common, though, is that they are like you.
For Milan, this is Gabbia. Someone like the fans, because he is one himself. A born Rossonero, the defender rose through the ranks at his club and now plays for the first team. As a result, many see him as a sign of the Rossoneri. In fact, the captaincy debate now includes him, because he gets it.
A Milanese symbol
There is more to football, of course, but when you have the quality required and the alignment of the fans, it is a good mix, and Gabbia discussed his situation, his love for the club and more with Gazzetta dello Sport this morning.
At the Perth Children’s Hospital, joined by Yunus Musah, Filippo Terracciano, and Samuele Ricci, he started with this…
“It was a wonderful experience, and it helped make these kids who are going through difficult situations happy.”
Gabbia, how did you arrive at Milan?
“It was a wonderful surprise and a great feeling. My dad took me to a bar where Mauro Bianchessi [then head of youth team scouting] and Luca Grimi, the scout who saw me for the first time, were present. They told me they wanted me at AC Milan, and for me it was the best news in the world: I had done other trials, but I was a Rossoneri fan and, like all kids, I dreamed of playing for my favourite team.”
You have now become a symbol of Milanism.
“I don’t consider myself a symbol of Milan, but a guy who is lucky enough to play for the team he’s always supported. I’m incredibly happy and proud of that. To stay here, you need consistency and determination every day, and I’m trying to do my best.”
How many times have you watched the winning goal in the first leg of last season’s derby?
“Quite a bit. It was a magical moment, something indelible in my memory. I’m lucky to have realised such a dream.”
He was also there in the championship season.
“It was a fantastic year. The group was very close-knit, full of great people and great players. Sometimes we stay in touch because we’re still friends, and even after all this time, we still get emotional. We hope to experience more joy with this team in the future.”
What did your experience at Villarreal teach you?
“Those six months were very important: they introduced me to a new league and I tested myself in a different environment, with different opponents and a different language. It was an experience that helped me grow as a player and as a person. Now I’m a little more attentive to my teammates who come from abroad because I’ve experienced firsthand the difficulties of adapting to a new country.”
In 2012, when you signed for AC Milan, Allegri was already there. After 13 years, you’re together…
“Having Allegri as my coach is a source of pride because I watched him as a child when he coached a Milan team full of champions who won a Scudetto and a Super Cup. It’s great to work with him.”
What do you like about Allegri?
“His daily approach to work is full of dedication and attention to detail. His staff is also highly trained, and they presented themselves incredibly, giving a breath of fresh air to a team that was coming off a difficult year. They instilled in us confidence and the desire to start over together. We’re happy with the atmosphere that’s being created and look to the future with confidence.”
Is a winner like Allegri the right man to start over?
“Absolutely. The coach and his staff are the right people to relaunch us, to have a positive season, because they have significant experience and a track record. We will follow them to achieve the results that a club like Milan deserves.”
How do you see the locker room now after a disappointing season like last year?
“Let’s say the locker room has reset and restarted with unity of purpose and a desire to redeem itself after a 2024-25 season that didn’t live up to the values embodied within this squad. We’re eager, united, and focused on having a very good year. I see a group that’s working well, and I’m very confident that the team will stay united at all times.”
Are you ready to welcome Modric?
“Having Luka on the team is fantastic. Playing with a Ballon d’Or winner and a player of his calibre is something that doesn’t happen to everyone. We’re eager to learn from him and will welcome him in the best possible way to allow him to be a key player on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
Did you like Milan against Arsenal and Liverpool?
“These were excellent tests, and we managed to do what the coach asked of us. There’s room for improvement, and we’ll work on it. Now we have another match, and we’ll try to add another piece to our puzzle to be prepared for the Coppa Italia.”
What will he do on the evenings of the Champions League matches?
“I haven’t thought about it. Maybe I’ll watch a few games, but the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League will remain. A feeling that will transform into a desire to reach it again.”
Qualification for the Champions League is the goal set by Tare and Allegri…
“Given their history, AC Milan doesn’t deserve to be left out of the Champions League. We’ll do everything we can to bring them back: that’s our primary goal this season.”
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