Milan left-back Theo Hernandez is open to following Gareth Bale’s career path, is inspired by Paolo Maldini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and coach Stefano Pioli.
The 22-year-old has been a sensation since arriving from Real Madrid for €20m, but above all made his mark felt in attack, scoring six goals with three assists in 25 competitive games.
Milan left-back Theo Hernandez is open to following Gareth Bale’s career path, is inspired by Paolo Maldini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and coach Stefano Pioli.
The 22-year-old has been a sensation since arriving from Real Madrid for €20m, but above all made his mark felt in attack, scoring six goals with three assists in 25 competitive games.
“It has been a very important year for me,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I adapted very quickly to a new league and the pressures of a big club. The confidence that the coach has in me, the help from my teammates and the affection of our fans are fundamental.
“Coach Pioli’s confidence in me is particularly decisive. I am in a top club and have the opportunity to learn from the best, that’s one of the things I appreciate the most.
“Being able to train with Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a gift, the chance to work with one of the best players in the world.”
Milan seem to have unleashed Theo’s hidden goal-scoring talents, having only netted three in 86 games back in Spain. Could he even follow Bale’s footsteps and become an attacking winger instead?
“I immediately felt at home here, with my teammates, the culture, the city and the philosophy of the club. All these factors together got the best out of me.
“I’m still very young, so we’ll see what the future holds with regards to my tactical position. I feel important and that fills me with confidence, but I don’t have the experience yet to be a leader.”
It was Paolo Maldini who famously convinced Theo Hernandez to accept the call from Milan, a childhood hero turned club director.
“Maldini has always been a reference point for me. Everyone would like to see themselves in him, as he had a glorious career and represents Milan. When you have a champion like that in front of you, there’s no need to think it over. I want to help bring Milan back to where it belongs, for its history and the love of its fans.
“I will now work to earn my place in the France squad and be ready for when Euro 2020 comes around next summer, although certain choices simply aren’t up to me.
“I could play alongside my brother Lucas Hernandez. Not bad, eh?”