Milan defender Gila: ‘An honour to play with and learn from Modric’
MILAN, ITALY - AUGUST 28: Mario Gila of Milan looks on during the warm up before the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan centre-back Mario Gila is still adjusting to the idea that a player he grew up watching now shares a dressing room with him.
According to Calciomercato, the Spanish defender was speaking to UEFA’s website ahead of Milan’s Europa League opener when he reflected on lining up alongside Luka Modric.
“It is surprising to think that today I am a team-mate of such an important figure,” Gila said. “As time passes you realise you are living out your dreams, playing alongside people you knew about as a child. It is an honour to play with him, to learn from him and to talk to him.”
Gila praises Modric’s mentality at Milan
What has struck the defender most is not the Croatian’s technical quality but his refusal to coast at the end of a decorated career.
“He is an incredibly humble person and I think he can help me a lot, both personally and as a team,” Gila said. “After a career like his, he still runs for every ball and gives everything in every play. It is a very positive mentality, and it is the right one to reach the great achievements he has reached. You can win or lose, but the intention to give everything always has to be there.”
Milan sit in sixth place after four matchdays and were held 2-2 at the Olimpico last weekend, surrendering a two-goal deficit only through Diego Moreira’s double from the bench after a first half in which Lazio dominated.
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