Theo Hernandez sees similarities between Milan and Real Madrid, while he is determined to repay 'best full-back of all time' Paolo Maldini.
Milan splashed out €20m to sign Hernandez from Madrid, with Maldini proclaiming the 21-year-old can become one of the best in his position.
“I'm very happy to be here,” began the Frenchman at his official unveiling on Friday, alongside the club legend and Rade Krunic.
Theo Hernandez sees similarities between Milan and Real Madrid, while he is determined to repay 'best full-back of all time' Paolo Maldini.
Milan splashed out €20m to sign Hernandez from Madrid, with Maldini proclaiming the 21-year-old can become one of the best in his position.
“I'm very happy to be here,” began the Frenchman at his official unveiling on Friday, alongside the club legend and Rade Krunic.
“I was very well received. I'm calm and I hope to be able to play many games. For me, Maldini is the best full-back of all time.
“I met him in Ibiza, we talked and I expressed my desire to play for Milan, who are a historic club, and I can grow a lot here.
“I won't reveal what we said, but it was a pleasant meeting. He was an inspiration for me growing up.
“I've also grown really fond of Marcelo in the last few years. He gave me a lot of advice at Real. I watched a lot of him so if I'm here, it's also thanks to him.
“Real Madrid are exceptional, but I'm now at another exceptional club. I'm here to work and play all the games to the fullest.
“We hope to win a lot together and make the fans happy. Maldini's words have fired me up. When someone like him says I can become one of the best full-backs in the world, it's exciting.
“Now it's important for me to work and keep improving. I'm also here to learn to defend better. I'm young and I have a lot of time to grow.
“There are so many quality players at Madrid, but it's the same here. Here I can give so much in terms of pace, shooting from distance and dribbling, but I'm also here to improve defensively.”
Theo was then asked about former teammate Luka Modric, who has been linked with making the same move.
“I played with him, but I didn't hear anything. Even if I did hear something, I couldn't say anything anyway.”
The left-back made his unofficial debut for the Rossoneri on Friday, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Novara.
Theo Hernandez’s goal against Novara. Milan drew 1-1 in the friendly game earlier today@TheoHernandez pic.twitter.com/qK09ywJOnn
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) July 19, 2019