Paolo Maldini BREAKS SILENCE on AC Milan exit, urges current management to ‘respect’ club history

Paolo Maldini also speaks on his future after fall-out with AC Milan owners.

Paolo Maldini BREAKS SILENCE on AC Milan exit, urges current management to ‘respect’ club history

Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were fired by AC Milan in June 2023. (Image via Sky Sports)

In a recent interview with La Repubblica, Paolo Maldini, the legendary Italian footballer, explained why he left AC Milan after the 2022-23 season. Maldini and sporting director Ricky Massara were let go in June 2023 by club owner Gerry Cardinale.

Having spent a remarkable 25 seasons at AC Milan, Maldini, who won 26 trophies, including 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 7 Serie A titles, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup, is considered one of the finest defenders of his era. Despite retiring in 2009, he returned to AC Milan in 2018 as their technical director.

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In his 5 years as technical director, the legendary Italian defender played a key role in forming Serie A winning squad for the Rossoneri. Maldini also brought in players like Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Mike Maignan. However, on June 5th, 2023, Maldini and his right-hand man, Massara were removed from their roles. 

Gerry Cardinale told me that Massara and I were fired. I asked him why and he told me about bad relations with CEO Furlani.
Paolo Maldini said in an interview with La Repubblica

Further, Maldini believes that the current management seemed to have lost ‘respect’ for the club’s history. He mentioned issues with CEO Giorgio Furlani and suggested it might be a reason for his dismissal. Despite his contribution in bringing the Scudetto to Milan after 11 years, Maldini noted the owners didn’t acknowledge his efforts.

There are people that just pass through institutions like Milan that don't have a real respect for their identity and history...Unfortunately, in modern football, the population of the first type of person keeps growing. I believe you have to keep hold of whoever has those ideals and makes it their work to save a club's values and identity

Maldini highlighted how, during his time at San Siro, the club improved significantly, reaching the Champions League semi-final after 16 years. Despite criticizing the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle, he emphasized his enduring love for Milan.

Paolo Maldini speaks on his future after fall-out with AC Milan owners

Former AC Milan technical director and Italian legend, Paolo Maldini also spoke about his readiness to accept a new role in Saudi Arabian clubs, especially with Al-Ittihad showing interest in the same. Recent reports also suggest that the Italian is shortlisted for the position of sporting director at Manchester United.

Maldini has been linked with a move to United
Paolo Maldini has been linked with a move to United. (Image via 90min.com)

Maldini surprised AC Milan fans by leaving the club after 30 years. Now, in an interview with La Repubblica, he explained his departure and mentioned a preference for moving to Saudi Arabia. Having a fondness for Milan, he ruled out joining another Italian club. Further, expressing interest in a tempting offer from a top foreign team.

For my job, the alternatives to Milan are very limited. I could never go to another Italian team, possibly I would only evaluate the offer of a high-level foreign team. I like winning and building. Saudi Arabia could be a stimulating option, who knows.

Following his admission that he ‘could get tempted’ by a top foreign offer, Maldini has been tipped to join Manchester United. The club is also expected to go through a shakeup if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 percent acquisition of the club is completed. Maldini’s potential arrival would bring a new wave of enthusiasm amongst Manchester United fans.

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