Milan defender Theo Hernandez insists Victor Osimhen’s injury makes no difference for the Rossoneri and reveals Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with the Partenopei is the most important game of his career.
Theo spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Napoli.
When asked whether the upcoming European fixture is the most important match in his career, the France international replied: “I think so, tomorrow it will be a very nice and important game.
The Rossoneri beat Napoli 4-0 at the Stadio Maradona barely two weeks ago, but Theo doesn’t feel the result has shifted the balance.
“Tomorrow’s game will be different. Napoli are a strong team and we’ve prepared well.”
Napoli star striker Osimhen, the current Serie A leading scorer, will miss the game due to a muscle injury.
“It changes nothing for us,” insisted Theo.
“Napoli have many strong players and whoever replaces him will do well.”
The ex-Real Madrid defender was also asked whether he feels strong enough to be a credible candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
“It is an honour to wear the captain’s armband. I’ve been happy since my very first day here. I don’t know if I’ll ever win the Ballon d’Or, obviously, I’d love it, but we are only focused on the present and tomorrow’s game,” he replied.
“I hope I’ll stay for as long as possible; you don’t know the future, I only think about the present.”
The 25-year-old won the Serie A title with the Rossoneri last season and believes he and his teammates can also win the Champions League this term.
“We can win it, but now we must focus on tomorrow’s game, do what we know, we’ve worked well.”
Lastly, Theo was asked his thoughts on Rafael Leao, who was decisive in Milan’s 4-0 win over Napoli at the Stadio Maradona with a brace, and his compatriot Kylian Mbappé.
“Leo and Mbappé are two great players, Rafa must improve in a few aspects, but this is something for the coach,” he said, smiling along with Pioli.