Speaking to The Athletic, Theo Hernandez, who is AC Milan star left-back who has grown so much since his arrival from Real Madrid, has opened up about his adventure at Milanello so far:
"I have a very close relationship with Maldini. He has guided me correctly since I first met him in Ibiza. Paolo said: 'You are a very important player and very good, but you have to work hard every day."
"It's an honour to have Maldini, best left-back in the world for a long time, in the club."
On Pioli:
'I had many good coaches, but the one that changed my life as a footballer and as a person is Pioli. Pioli, from the first moment I arrived, has given me that confidence that I needed to get more out of my game and thanks to that, I am playing the way I am. I am very happy here thanks to him."
Theo Hernandez on his relationship with Rafael Leao:
"We understand each other very well. Leao plays differently from the others and creates spaces for me. He is very fast. But, I'm faster without a doubt."
On working hard and the need to improve:
"A full-back firstly has to defend and then has to attack. That is what I’m improving on, little by little. I’m young still, I have many years of football left and I’m improving on that defensive phase that I was missing."
On his role:
"Full-backs are not like Francesco Totti, Zinedine Zidane or Kaka. But nowadays, football is changing and full-backs are definitely getting further up the pitch. Maybe I do see myself as a bit of a playmaker", said Theo Hernandez, "I like to help the team out and even if it is giving assists or scoring goals, I’m very happy. But the important thing is that the team is happy with me and that we win matches."
On playing for the senior national team of France:
"The only memory that I’ve had which moved me a lot was the World Cup that my brother was able to win with the national team. I was at home watching him and it was a very proud moment. That was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve experienced with him. My target is to work hard every day, give the maximum I’ve got to be able to go to the World Cup. With my brother as well, the two together… it could be a dream come true."
