AC Milan have recalled Mattia Gabbia from his loan with Villarreal.

The defender had been on a season-long deal in Spain.

Gabbia said: "I'm very happy, I'm ready and excited.

"Let's hope it will be a good six months for me and for the team. We want to get some great satisfaction. My dream has always been to play for Milan, I was fine in Spain but yes, I'm happy that the club thought of me to overcome the problem of the many injuries.

"(Stefano) Pioli asked me if I was well, my condition, if I had trained. I've always had a good relationship with the coach, it was a pleasure to hear from him again. The goal is to make the fans as happy as possible.

"Ibra manager? I haven't heard from him, but he is an important character, an incredible story, it will be fascinating to see him also in the role of manager."