Mario Gila revealed why he decided to join Lazio this summer and how he feels working under Maurizio Sarri.
The 21-year-old Spanish defender joined the Biancocelesti last month from Real Madrid in a deal worth around €6m, signing a five-year contract in Rome. Gila impressed Sarri at the pre-season training camp in Auronzo di Cadore and he looks set to shine in the Italian capital this season, working alongside either Alessio Romagnoli or Nicolo Casale in the backline.
Speaking to Marca (via LazioNews24), Gila first discussed his reaction to the news that Lazio were interested in him and how it feels to have joined the club.
It was nice and exciting when I heard about Lazio’s interest. We are talking about one of the most important clubs in Italy, with a great history. It’s a small step that can be dizzying, it’s an important leap.
But for me it is also a challenge. I settled in well, the team is very united and with the help of the Spanish guys I felt like one of them straight away.
The Spanish defender spoke highly about coach Sarri, who is already starting to place trust in the player.
Sarri is a coach with a great career. He has coached many great teams, it’s an honour to be part of the team and to be at his service.
We are talking about a very professional coach, demanding and a perfectionist with the players. He tries to improve in all aspects.
He touched on why he decided to join the Biancocelesti and the qualities of Serie A as a league.
The defensive work in this league was one of the reasons why I decided to come here. There is a lot of work and I’m sure it will make me improve a lot as a player.
My goal is to improve day by day, to learn from my teammates and the demands that Serie A places on you. Lazio are a great club.
Finally, Gila discussed both his and the team’s goals heading into the new season.
The rest will follow, playing a lot, the national team. For the team, the goal will be to qualify for the Champions League.
There is a long way to go, we’ll go match to match. That’s the only way to get great results.
