Ismael Bennacer is the latest Milan player to have written a heartfelt farewell message to directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara. ‘You inspired us.’
The technical director and director of sport were dismissed over the last 24 hours, but while Maldini’s sacking was more violent, especially for a club icon like him, Massara seemed to negotiate a contract termination by mutual consent.
“Paolo, Ricky, I want to thank you for all you have done for AC Milan and for me,” wrote Bennacer on social media.
“Thank you for the faith that you showed in me in 2019, opening the doors to this great club that is Milan. You helped me to grow, to develop.
“Your passion, discipline and dedication to the club inspired us and will continue to do so, every day.
“I wish you the best for the future.”
The players were reportedly more stunned than anyone by the sudden collapse of the rapport between the directors and new patron Gerry Cardinale.
Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan and Sandro Tonali are some of those who posted images of them at the training ground with Maldini and Massara, along with the occasional bemused emoji.
It seems as if the club will not hire a new director of sport, but rather put more power into the hands of CEO Giorgio Forlani and chief scout Geoffrey Moncada going forward.