Matteo Gabbia has landed in Italy after terminating his Villarreal loan early, confirming it was ‘always my dream to play for Milan.’
The centre-back is a product of their academy and had been expected to remain in Spain for the full season on loan, even though there was no option to buy included.
He was recalled early due to the injury crisis in Stefano Pioli’s squad, which has ruled out Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Pierre Kalulu and more.
“I am very happy,” he told reporters when arriving at the airport in Bergamo this evening.
“I am ready, fired up and tomorrow we will start. Hopefully these are going to be six great months for me and the team.”
The Italian must first pass his fitness test with the FIGC before having a medical with Milan doctors.
“My dream has always been to play for Milan, but I was happy at Villarreal too. I am glad that the club thought of me to help the team.”
It is a reunion for Gabbia with coach Pioli, who had allowed him to go out on loan to get more regular playing time.
“The coach asked me if I was in good shape. We’ve always had a good rapport. The objective is to make the fans happy, try to achieve great things.”
Gabbia was a teammate to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has since retired and returned to Milan in a new advisory role.
“I haven’t spoken to Ibra, but it will be fascinating to see him in a different role.”
So far this season, Gabbia has made 13 competitive appearances for Villarreal.
“Felice che il #Milan abbia pensato a me vista la questione infortuni. #Pioli mi ha chiesto se stessi bene fisicamente. Sarà affascinante vedere #Ibra in un altro ruolo”#Gabbia si ri-presenta cosi!🔴⚫️@tvdellosport @Glongari @AlfredoPedulla @MCriscitiello pic.twitter.com/I1icbFOmxj
— GianluVisco (@GianluVisco) January 2, 2024