Former Real Madrid defender Mario Gila has reunited with one of the players he looked up to during his formative years in Madrid: Luka Modrić.
Now together at AC Milan, Gila spoke about Modrić, his decision to join the Italian giants and his ambitions for the season during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
For Gila, playing alongside Modrić again brings his career somewhat full circle. The defender came through Real Madrid’s academy and reached the first team, where he was able to observe some of the best players of their generation at close range.
Modrić made a particularly strong impression.
“Luka Modric is special. I was lucky enough to meet him when I was younger and played with him at Real Madrid. He trained with the first team, and although I didn’t experience it much, I saw him as a role model; he was a player to admire, observe, and learn from. Meeting Luka here at AC Milan is a gift from fate. I enjoy talking to him, getting to know him, and listening to his suggestions and everything he can teach me. I’m sure he’ll help me improve a lot as a player and, above all, mentally.”
The centre-back progressed through La Fábrica before eventually leaving Madrid in search of regular senior football. His career in Italy allowed him to develop into an established Serie A defender, and his performances ultimately opened the door to another significant step with Milan.
Gila explained that there were other clubs interested in signing him, but Milan’s determination to bring him in ultimately made the difference.
“We have a good team and I’m convinced our squad is competitive. I really wanted to come to Milan because Igli Tare’s (former Milan sporting director) words were very positive about both the team and the club. Then I received a call from Amorim and he immediately convinced me to come. Having a coach and a club that want you was very important in my decision. Although other teams wanted me, I always felt that Milan was the best option.”
Taking the Madrid mentality to Milan
Gila’s comments also contained a familiar theme for anyone who followed his development at Real Madrid: winning.
The defender made it clear that he does not want Milan simply to be competitive. His expectation is to approach every competition with the intention of winning, and he believes that mentality needs to spread throughout the squad.
“For me, there is no such thing as not winning. If we all adopt this mentality, this desire to keep going game by game in the league and in the Europa League, we will achieve satisfaction and undoubtedly make our fans happy.”
It is an attitude that should resonate with Real Madrid supporters.