Gila between joy of Milan ‘potential’ and ‘pain’ of Lazio goodbye | OneFootball

Mario Gila believes he can ‘reach my full potential’ at Milan and recognises the ‘weight’ of the pressure here, then sends a farewell message to Lazio through tears.

The defender completed his transfer today for a reported fee of €25m plus €5m in add-ons, though half of that will go to his previous club Real Madrid as part of the arrangement made in 2022.

He put pen to paper on a contract at San Siro until June 2031 and will wear the Number 34 jersey.

Gila eager to get started with Milan

Mario Gila shows off Milan jersey (@acmilan)

“We can do great things together. I feel like I can reach my full potential here,” Gila told the official club social media channels.

“I think that I can help the team in every phase,” added the Spaniard.

“I’m a real perfectionist; I never give up, and I always aim as high as I can in every aspect of my life, whether that’s on or off the pitch.”

AC Milan announce arrival of Mario Gila from Lazio (acmilan.com)

Although he came up through the Real Madrid youth academy, Gila recognises that Milan represent a different kind of pressure to playing for Lazio.

“This shirt has a really special weight to it, which I’m aware of. I’m here to learn and give my all on the pitch in order to reach the levels that have made AC Milan great.”

Gila then recorded a video message that was published on the official Lazio website to salute his old fans after four years at the Stadio Olimpico.

“Hey guys, how are you? I think this is a goodbye. I want to thank all of you, it’s been emotional since the first moment I arrived here. I was a little kid who just got the first sensation of being a professional football player, but over time I found people and situations to make me who I am today.

“Thank you to the fans, my teammates, to the staff who work inside and outside the dressing room, to my family, those who always believed in me. I thank you all for what you gave me.

“Lazio believe that you can do better things and I too am sure of that. You deserve everything, you are an incredible club. You gave me so much love, made me feel important. I don’t know if I’ll feel that kind of love elsewhere, because this city is incredible and will always remain in my heart.

“I say goodbye to you with an immense pain in my heart. Forza Lazio always,” he added through tears.