The right deal, the right player, the right words: Mario Gila’s perfect start to life at Milan
It takes a lot of things to go right for a player to become a fan-favourite after just a few weeks, but Mario Gila is already in that territory.
Milan signed Gila in the summer transfer window after a courtship that had gone on for months in advance but then seemed to have gone quiet. He joined from Lazio where he had already established himself as one of the best in his position in the league, but remarkably the centre-back has kicked on further.
When looking at the way that the operation came to fruition, the figures of the deal, the instant assimilation that the player has made under the new coach and the words that affirm all the affection, it’s hard not to feel fantastic about having Mario Gila.
The summer blitz
Milan were believed to have been admirers of Gila for quite some time, stretching back to when Igli Tare – the director who brought him to Lazio – was at the helm, and possibly even beyond that. It is no surprise either, given how well the defender has performed in recent seasons.
Not only that, but Milanisti have seen up close how decisive he can be on his day, with multiple very impressive performances from Gila coming against Milan, including a stand-out one at the Stadio Olimpico in 2025-26.
Despite the departure of Tare, the directors still wanted to push for Gila and agreed a deal with Lazio worth €30m. He joined Goncalo Ramos as the second addition of the mercato and signed a five-year deal, believed to be worth €4.5m net per year plus €1m in bonuses.
A combination of the speed of the negotiation and the figures that emerged made this a signing that a huge proportion of the fan base were instantly on board with. That, we can’t deny, is certainly a helpful starting point.
Instant impact
In our scouting report published just after his arrival, we theorised how Gila might fit into Ruben Amorim’s tactical set-up. It became clear from early preseason outings that the right centre-back position was his, and his interpretation of the role has quite literally revolutionised Milan.
“With Amorim we talked a bit about the way we approach football, what we agree on. We talked a lot about his style of play, about things that perhaps I’ve done in different styles of play with the different coaches I’ve had,” he said in the summer during a meet and greet at the Milan Store on Via Dante.
That agreement has been seen on the field. Gila’s way of defending is perfect for playing with a higher line. His reading of danger suggests maturity well beyond his years. There is an argument about his best asset being his ball-playing ability or his tenacity in duels, which is a great debate to have.
The numbers demonstrate this, like in the 3-0 win over Lecce before the break: the Spaniard got a 7.5 out of 10 rating on FotMob, his highest yet (none below a 6.5 most over 7). Gila had 89 touches, 88% pass completion, 67% long ball completion, 1/1 dribbles, 3 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 headed clearances, 4 recoveries and 1 interception.
The fact that the former Real Madrid man also had a big hand at the start of the flowing team move that led to Adrien Rabiot’s second goal was symbolic of what he brings as a player: all-action, and always trying to be on the front foot.
Strong bond already created
As if the performances were not enough, Gila’s words are earning him love too. Speaking at the Festival dello Sport earlier this weekend, the centre-back explained why he opted for Milan and not any of the other clubs that expressed an interest. His answer is certainly commendable.
“There were several teams, but I chose Milan because they’re a team that, when they call you, has such a strong history, it’s hard to say no. Maybe other clubs are in a more satisfying moment, but helping Milan get back to winning ways is something you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.
“Why did I choose Milan over Inter? We know that Milan hasn’t been at the same level as Inter or Napoli in recent years. But playing for a team like that and trying to help them win would be a much greater satisfaction than playing for a team that’s already winning.”
Not only did the 25-year-old have glowing words about the opportunity to wear the red and black shirt, but he fully understands that he was signing up to a mission, one that will hopefully see a journey back to the summit of Italian football. He certainly said the right things.
An added motivation
There has been no indication that Gila is ready to ‘settle’ for anything that he has after the big move, but in the same interview the defender revealed that there is another big thing that he wants to tick off while at Milan.
Is it possible that Spain can do without you?
“I think so, they won the World Cup (laughs). I’m really happy. I haven’t been to the national team for four years, since I was with the U21s. They’ve only called me once. I have to work hard, that’s all I can say. I’m doing the work I’m doing, and I can’t tell you otherwise. I’m happy with what I’m doing.
“I still have to work a little harder to get the call-up, as the coach chose, and not because someone got injured. It’s one of the most important goals I have in mind. Playing for your country is a source of pride, and the fact that they’re doing so well is extra motivation.”
If he keeps demonstrating the levels that he has to this point, that phone call from Spain might come sooner rather than later, even if they do boast a lot of quality players in the rearguard. The knowledge of needing to take an extra step personally adds to the overall motivation: to win with Milan.
There have been only six games so far in 2026-27, yet it is looking more and more like the Rossoneri might have secured the bargain of the summer for €25m plus bonuses. With his attitude, commitment and quality, Gila is showing himself to be worth his weight in gold, and hopefully soon silverware too.
