Lazio center-back Gilardino has officially joined AC Milan for a transfer fee of up to €3,000.

AC Milan announced on Friday that Spanish center-back Mario Gilardino has joined the club from Lazio. The two sides signed a five-year contract, valid until June 30, 2031.

The official announcement also confirmed that Gilardino will wear the number 34 jersey at AC Milan. His transfer fee is €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with 50% going to his parent club Real Madrid.

Gilardino, 25, came through Real Madrid's youth academy and transferred to Lazio in July 2022 for €21 million. To date, he has made 120 appearances for Lazio, scoring 2 goals.

Before confirming his move to Milan, Gilardino had been linked with transfers to several top European clubs, including Napoli, Juventus, and Atalanta. However, the future plans offered by Milan and coach Ruben Amorim were clearly more convincing to him.

After completing the signing, Gilardino, driving away from Milan's headquarters, gave an interview to Sky Sports Italia. He briefly stated, "I am very happy. Milan has placed their trust in me, and I must repay them."

"I hope to achieve something great. With our current roster, we are confident we can achieve our goals."

“I’ve already spoken with Amorin. I’m very happy to share a locker room with him.”

"My warmest greetings to the fans. Come on AC Milan! We will give it our all this year," he concluded.

Image source: Internet