Theo Hernández: “Leaving Madrid was the best for me”

Theo Hernández welcomes ACE from Milanello with a big smile. The pandemic has denied us face-to-face interviews, but also through the screen you can clearly see the illusion that his adventure in Milan is generating. In Italy they adore him and he, there, feels that he can fulfill all his dreams. He owes a lot to Paolo Maldini and that famous meeting in Ibiza …

-He said that Maldini, in Ibiza, took the time of a coffee to convince him. As it did?

-He called me because he wanted to see me, he surprised me and it was a very nice meeting. He said he had talent, that he could become a great player. We talked about my situation at Madrid, my years at Alavés, at Real Sociedad. We did it as if we were two friends.

-Paolo, who knows a lot about left-backs, says that he can become one of the three best in the world in this role.

-It makes me feel great that a legend like him says that, but at the same time it makes me want to continue working hard. It's what I'm doing, being with the team to death.

-You said that you would like to stay at Milan forever.

-I'm very happy here. From the first moment I arrived, both the team, the fans and the entire club welcomed me very well. And when it's like that, when you're on a team that's so good, you just don't want to leave. I want to be here much longer.

-What was the first thing that impressed you about Calcio?

-The difference with LaLiga is noticeable. Here you play less, it is all more physical and tactical, but I have adapted well.

-In 72 matches of rossonero, scored 12 goals, signed 11 assists and improved in the defensive phase.

-I have improved a lot, yes, but what has made it possible was having Pioli's confidence. Without that, it is impossible to show if you are worth something and have talent. And I still have a lot to grow.

– And Italy, as a country, do you like it?

-Yes, Milan is super nice. You eat well, you can go shopping, the people are very friendly… I am very comfortable.

-He is one of the idols of football fans also because of his performance in 'Fantacalcio', the Italian Biwenger.

-When I arrived I did not know what it was, now I have learned it and my “coaches” are very, very heavy. They scold me on social media, but they forget that I'm a winger, and I can't score goals in every game (laughs)

-After a few complicated months, in January 2020 Ibrahimovic arrived and completely changed the face of Milan, which became unstoppable.

-Since he has arrived he has given us a plus, without a doubt. It is true that his presence imposes a bit, but in the end in the day to day he helps us a lot, he is one more companion. Of course, many times it puts the batteries, but that is also good.

-What is your relationship with him?

-Very good. Every once in a while I take a bit of a shit, but it's normal. He always wants me to do my best: sometimes he squeezes us, Zlatan is Zlatan. With him there are jokes, laughter, but his “God” side imposes, and, deep down, it is what is cool about him.

-Did you like to see him sing in San Remo?

-Yes, but the truth is that he has not sung very well (laughs).

-Speaking of the scudetto, now Inter's advantage is six points, with one game less. Do you still believe in the comeback?

-Yes, we are going to go all out, there is still a lot left. Inter has escaped us a little bit, but we are going to fight until the end. They can still lose or draw games, the leagues go around a lot… Then, obviously, I have the goal of playing the Champions League with this shirt. It would also be very nice because Milan has not disputed it for a long time.

-Your friend Cristiano plays in Juve. Having seen what was seen, was it a mistake for Madrid to let him out?

-Cristiano is a huge player, he has won everything and does not lower his level of ambition. The absence of such a player is always noticeable. That said, the big clubs always have the ability to return to their place.

-Can you imagine him back at the Bernabéu?

-I don't know, I have no idea (laughs).

-Another ex-teammate who triumphs in Calcio is Achraf. How have you lived face to face with him in the derby?

-We are enemies in the field, but very friends outside. He is a great player, I know him well, and we have similar characteristics. We are very offensive wingers …

-Many consider them the best full-backs in Europe, one for each band. How is it possible that they have not had space in Madrid?

-I can't say, they are decisions of the club and the coach, but the best thing for both was to get out of there. If a footballer doesn't play, he can't prove anything. Now we are both doing it.

-What was your best memory in Madrid?

-Win the Champions League, without any doubt. It is an emotion that stays with you.

-With Marcelo he had a special relationship.

-It has helped me a lot. Having advice and playing with a winger like him was a source of pride for me. From time to time, we still write to each other on Instagram.

-Everything that comes out of the white club, in Italy, works great. It has happened with Albiol, Callejón, Higuaín, now with you, Achraf, Borja Mayoral, Brahim …

-It is difficult to explain. The truth is that in Madrid there are very good players and many must go out to look for minutes and confidence, as I said. That causes them, over time, to explode.

-In Milan, with Brahim and Castillejo, they have formed a small gang.

-We understand each other well on the pitch, and the three of us are very jokers, we laugh at everyone, we hesitate… Brahim and Samu are from Malaga, the people of Malaga are like that. I join them because I am the same.

“Would you like Brahim to stay there?”

-Would be pleased. Since he arrived I have been great with him, he is an exceptional footballer and teammate. It would be amazing if he stayed at least one more year.

-Let's go back to the beginning. Who was your football reference?

-Maldini I have always liked a lot, although growing up I paid attention to Marcelo a lot because of his way of attacking. That's why playing with him was so amazing for me.

-As a child, obviously, he started playing with his brother.

– We threw ourselves the whole day with the ball, also with my grandfather. My mother couldn't take us anymore… But we were both very good.

-He has grown up in the Atleti quarry. Would you have liked to have a chance with Simeone?

-When I was there, of course. I wanted to debut with the first team and I worked hard to achieve it, but getting into the dynamics of the first team and having opportunities is never easy. In my case, I left on loan to Alavés, which helped me to grow in my career.

– Is that why you decided to go to Madrid?

-The year in Vitoria was spectacular collectively and individually. Madrid knocked on my door and I went head over heels without thinking about it.

– It is very strange that, despite his performance, the call from Deschamps has not yet arrived.

-I don't know, I'm waiting for her. My cell phone always has coverage and full battery, just in case (laughs). I will continue to give everything to get it. It is a goal that I have, it would be a dream to play for France alongside my brother.

– Would you like, in the future, to coincide with Lucas also in a club?

-We play a game together in the Atleti youth team. Even though my brother is a bit heavy at times (laughs), I would love to do it again.

-What else do you dream of for your future?

-Be the best in my position and succeed in Milan. It is a place that has made me very happy.