Mario Gila has completed his transfer to AC Milan from Lazio in a deal worth €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons, becoming the club’s second major signing of the summer. The Spain international has signed a contract running until June 2031 and will wear the number 34 shirt for the Rossoneri.
The defender underwent medical examinations at the La Madonnina clinic on Friday before finalising the move. Gila becomes the latest recruit under new head coach Ruben Amorim, following the club-record capture of Gonçalo Ramos.
Financial structure and Real Madrid clause
Although Lazio will receive €25 million upfront with a further €5 million in performance-related bonuses, half of the total fee will be diverted to Real Madrid. The Spanish club retained a 50 per cent sell-on clause when they sold Gila to Lazio for €6 million in 2022, meaning they stand to collect approximately €12.5 million from the initial payment plus half of any triggered add-ons.
Gila’s contract at San Siro is understood to be worth €5 million net per season. He had entered the final year of his Lazio deal, making a departure inevitable after 120 competitive appearances for the Biancocelesti.
Amorim’s influence and rejection of rivals
Despite concrete interest from domestic rivals Napoli, Juventus and Atalanta, Gila selected Milan after being convinced by the sporting project presented by Amorim. Speaking to the club’s official channels, the former Real Madrid academy graduate emphasised the Portuguese coach’s role in his decision.
“I chose Milan because it’s one of the strongest teams in the world. The history it has and everything around it was exactly what I needed to reach a certain level,” Gila said. “The coach’s ideas and everything that Milan represents led me to choose the Rossoneri.”
He expressed confidence in his development under the new regime, stating: “I feel like I can reach my full potential here. I think that I can help the team in every phase. I’m a real perfectionist; I never give up, and I always aim as high as I can.”
Emotional Lazio farewell
The centre-back acknowledged the increased pressure of representing Milan, noting: “This shirt has a really special weight to it, which I’m aware of. I’m here to learn and give my all on the pitch in order to reach the levels that have made AC Milan great.”
Gila also recorded a farewell message for Lazio supporters, describing his departure with “immense pain” in his heart. “You gave me so much love, made me feel important,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll feel that kind of love elsewhere, because this city is incredible and will always remain in my heart.”
With contractual formalities concluded, Gila joins Milan’s squad for pre-season preparations as Amorim continues to reshape the defence ahead of the forthcoming campaign.