Mario Gila highlighted his excitement at playing under Maurizio Sarri and his desire to impress following his arrival at Lazio.
The 21-year-old Spanish defender joined the Biancocelesti from Real Madrid last month in a deal worth around €6 million. Gila put pen to paper on a five-year contract and initial signs from the pre-season suggest that he’ll become a star in Rome, already managing to impress Sarri.
Speaking at his unveiling (via LazioNews24), Gila first discussed what he’s bringing to Rome following his time with Real Madrid.
Very good experience with Real Madrid, but I’m happy to be at a club as big and I bring here the consciousness of being ambitious and wanting to work a lot.
I thank the president, the coach and the directors who wanted me at Lazio.
He gave his thoughts on Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti gave me an Italian feeling, but coming here was my decision because I wanted to play under Sarri and in this shirt.
One of the reasons that brought me here is the tactical area, which is lacking in Spain. There is a different defensive ambition.
The 21-year-old revealed which player is his idol.
Nesta is my model, a reference for all centre backs and defenders.
He commented on the presence of other Spanish speaking players in the squad.
I haven’t spoken to anyone, but the feelings were positive and having other Spaniards is definitely a way to make things easier. Everyone’s welcome, though, was felt.
Gila discussed his desire to grow and impress in Rome.
With the Real Madrid first team I played two games, so I feel like a Real Madrid Castilla. I am here to grow, mature and improve. This motivates me a lot.
He touched on what Lazio represents to him.
A very big jump, it motivates me a lot. Real Madrid are a special team, huge, they give you the feeling of victory. To have trained there was a privilege.
Finally, Gila discussed how it feels to work with Sarri in Rome.
I’m a very physical, quick and powerful player. What is missing in La Liga is the tactical aspect in the defensive phase, something Sarri works a lot on.
