The Cameroon legend was initially taken aback by the facilities awaiting Germain when his son joined Celta's academy through the club's agreement with Fursan Hispania, the Dubai side founded by former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado.
"Before we didn't have academies, we only had one coach. There was nothing like this."
The contrast is striking given Roger's own route into professional football. His surname remains synonymous with Cameroon's extraordinary World Cup history, particularly the 1982 tournament in Spain when the Indomitable Lions went unbeaten against Peru, Poland and eventual champions Italy.
Milla provided the assist for Grégoire M'Bida's goal against Italy at Balaídos in Vigo, one of the defining moments of a tournament that announced Cameroon on the world stage.
He would go on to play at three World Cups, including Italia '90 and USA '94, while building much of his club career in France with Monaco, Saint-Étienne and Montpellier. He also won two Africa Cup of Nations titles with Cameroon.
Now it is his son who is making his way through the Spanish game.
Germain Milla joined Celta Fortuna after the 2024-25 season and has since established himself in the club's second team. Celta regard him as a defender and he has started all six of his league appearances this season, registering two assists.
The 20-year-old has generally operated on the right, giving Celta Fortuna another player capable of carrying the ball forward. His progress has continued alongside a significant step for the club, with the reserve side competing in LaLiga Hypermotion after winning promotion.
For Roger, there is an obvious sense of pride in watching his son build a career in a country where his own World Cup story became part of football history.
The Milla family has already travelled a long way together, from Cameroon to France, Dubai and now Vigo.
And Germain is beginning to write his own chapter.