Andrea Innocenti During the 2026 edition of the Trento Sports Festival, Spanish defender Mario Gila took the stage at the Teatro Sociale to discuss his move to AC Milan . After his speech, Gila continued his conversation with journalists, explaining the reasons for his move, his expectations for the new season, and coach Stefano Amorim 's role in the Rossoneri project.
AC Milan's choice: reasons and comparisons with other proposals
Gila confirmed that, before signing, he had received concrete offers from Napoli, Atalanta, and Inter . However, the history and international reach of the Rossoneri club definitely weighed heavily in his decision. "When a team with such a rich history calls you, it's hard to say no," he said, adding that his main goal is to help bring Milan back to the highest levels of Italian and European football.
The defender emphasized that the summer transfer window saw the arrival of some important players, but that the real value lies in the collective growth.
Amorim's role and game philosophy
According to Gila, coach Stefano Amorim represents a breath of fresh air. "He instills grit and passion in us, but he also wants us to adapt to his style of play," he explained.
Amorim, in his opinion, favors a more aggressive and attacking style of football over more tactically rigid systems. The defender acknowledged that the new approach will take time, but he's confident the results will come: "We're at the beginning of a project, but we're on the right path."
Seasonal objectives: Champions League, Europa League, and team growth
AC Milan are currently in the Europa League zone, but Gila reiterated that their primary objective remains returning to the Champions League . "We want to fight for the Scudetto, but first we have to prove we can compete in Europe," he said. He also commented on their recent performances: draws against Juventus and Lazio, a defeat against Benfica in European competition, and a victory against Lecce. "The results aren't bad, but as a Rossoneri team, we must always win."
Gila's defensive performance and impact on results
Throughout the season, Gila was often called the "best signing" in terms of performance, outperforming even his more expensive teammates. His versatility allowed him to play both in a three-man and four-man defense, demonstrating his ability to read the game and advance down the flank. "I try new positions because they challenge me and help me improve in attack as well," he explained, highlighting his contribution in attack as well, despite his limited goals.
Locker room relationships and future prospects
Gila praised the leadership of Gianluigi Maignan and Alessio Gabbia , calling them key players in the defense. He also mentioned young Tommy Camarda, comparing him to himself during his first few months at the club: "He has so much potential, all it takes is the right amount of confidence." Furthermore, the defender recalled the influence of idols like Sergio Ramos and Alessandro Nesta , citing their ability to lead the team through difficult times.
Finally, Gila left a clear message to the fans: "If people want to see a competitive future, we will continue working to reach the Champions League and compete seriously in Europe." With his determination and faith in Amorim 's project , the defender seems poised to become a key player for AC Milan in the coming years.