AC Milans Mario Gila: Luka Modric can change my game and mentality

Mario Gila says working alongside Luka Modric again at AC Milan is a rare opportunity that can improve him both technically and mentally.

The 25-year-old Spanish defender, who previously came through the Real Madrid set-up, has been reunited with the Croatia international after joining the Italian club from Lazio this summer. Gila believes Modric’s experience, character and approach to football will have a significant influence on his development.

“Luka is an exceptional person,” Gila told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I was lucky enough to know him when I was younger and I was with him at Real Madrid. I trained with the first team and, although I did not have much contact with him, I saw him as a reference point; he was a player worthy of admiration, observation and learning from.”

Gila spent time training with Real Madrid’s senior side during his earlier years, although his opportunities to work closely with Modric were limited. Even so, he regarded the midfielder as an example of the standards required at the highest level.

The defender says their new working relationship at Milan has given him access to advice from one of the most respected players of his generation.

“Being with Luka here at Milan is a gift from fate for me,” he said. “I like talking to him, getting to know him and listening to his advice and everything he can pass on to me. I am sure he will make me improve a lot as a player and, above all, in terms of mentality.”

Milan’s decision to commit to Gila with a contract running until June 2031, alongside an investment of 30m euros, underlines the club’s belief in the former Lazio player. Gila is determined to repay that faith through his performances on the pitch.

“For me, coming here means achieving a dream in some way,” he added. “Since I was a child, like everyone else, I thought about becoming a footballer, but reaching these levels is not easy. So it is a dream.”

Gila’s preparations for the new season were briefly disrupted in late July when he experienced a problem with his right rectus femoris during a friendly against Celtic. The setback forced him to stop temporarily, although he came through the issue without it developing into an injury.

His arrival at AC Milan represents an important step in a career that has already included experience of the Real Madrid environment and a spell at Lazio. The defender now hopes that daily work with Modric, together with the confidence shown by Milan in offering him a long-term contract, will help him establish himself at the club and continue his progress on and off the pitch.