Daniel Maldini says he left Milan at the ‘right moment’ but admits his mum is ‘a bit worried’ about his loan spell at Spezia.
The 20-year-old has joined the Aquilotti on a temporary deal from the Rossoneri, leaving his childhood club for the first time in his career.
“It was the right moment,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. “I was sorry to leave such a wonderful, enthusiastic and young group and all the people working at Milanello who make you feel at home every day.
“However, I’ve been welcomed greatly at Spezia, both in the dressing room and in the city.”
Maldini scored his first and only Serie A goal in an away Serie A clash at Spezia last season and was part of the Rossoneri squad that won the Serie A title in 2021-22.
“We started believing we could make it after the derby [in February],” he admitted.
“The title was in the air. There was special magic. The self-confidence had been increasing during the team and our title proves that nothing is impossible in sport.”
What does his father Paolo think about his move to Spezia?
“I spoke a bit with him, but it was my choice,” Daniel admitted.
“I’ve left home for the first time even if a friend of mine will soon come here. Mum is a bit worried, but my father is serene. The same goes for me, I am finding my path.”
The 20-year-old will work with Luca Gotti at Spezia, but at the moment the ex-Udinese boss isn’t using a system with an attacking midfielder. This doesn’t seem to be a matter of concern for the young Maldini.
“I am ready to adapt and play in other positions; I’ll learn new things from Gotti,” he said.
“Perhaps, I could play as a false nine or support striker. Let’s see. My first target is to be useful for Spezia and gain survival. Then I want to earn a call-up to the U21 squad.
“I have one more target, to make people look at me without thinking about my father. To do so, I must play well.”
Maldini’s contract with Milan runs out in June 2024. He has played 24 games at a senior level with the Rossoneri, scoring one goal.
It’s a good move for him. He needs to prove himself at a smaller club. I’m sure he doesn’t want to just ride on family name laurels.