Theo Hernandez wants to stay at Milan ‘for a long time’, says coach Stefano Pioli helped him improve and praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s impact at San Siro.
Theo signed a five-year deal until June 2024 when he arrived from Real Madrid in July 2019 and has thrived at left-back since his move to Serie A.
The young full-back has established himself as an important member of the Rossoneri line-up, having played 72 competitive games so far, contributing 12 goals and 11 assists in the process.
Theo Hernandez wants to stay at Milan ‘for a long time’, says coach Stefano Pioli helped him improve and praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s impact at San Siro.
Theo signed a five-year deal until June 2024 when he arrived from Real Madrid in July 2019 and has thrived at left-back since his move to Serie A.
The young full-back has established himself as an important member of the Rossoneri line-up, having played 72 competitive games so far, contributing 12 goals and 11 assists in the process.
“I’m very happy here,” Hernandez told AS. “From the first moment I arrived, the team and the fans and the whole club welcomed me in a great way.
“When this is the case, when you feel this good in a team, you just don’t want to leave. I want to stay here for a long time.
“Milan is beautiful. You eat well, you can go shopping, the people are nice… I feel great there.”
The former Real Madrid full-back said he noticed the ‘difference from La Liga’ immediately.
“The difference from La Liga can be seen,” Theo added. “We play less here, everything is more physical and tactical, but I have adapted well.”
The 23-year-old said he has ‘improved’ thanks to coach Stefano Pioli.
“Yes, I improved a lot,” the Frenchman continued. “It was Pioli’s trust that made it possible.
“Without the confidence, it’s impossible to prove your worth, your talent. And I still have to grow a lot.”
Hernandez praised veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned to the Rossoneri in January 2020 and has helped turn things around at San Siro.
“Since he arrived, he has given us something extra, without a doubt,” Hernandez said. “It’s true that his presence is a little intimidating, but in the end, he helps us a lot in everyday life, he’s an extra companion.
“Sometimes he puts the attention on us, but we need this too. I have a very good relationship with him.
“Sometimes I also get a few lectures, but that’s normal. He always wants me to give my best: he puts us in line.
“Zlatan is Zlatan. With him there are jokes, laughter, but the ‘God’ side of him imposes respect and, after all, that’s what makes him special.”