Mike Maignan reveals the mantra he also has written into his gloves, the importance of keeping it simple and if he thinks he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. ‘I won’t say no…’
The shot-stopper was signed from Lille in the summer of 2021 to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma and has been a revelation, helping them to win the Scudetto and reach the Champions League semi-finals.
The 28-year-old has 13 senior caps for France and it would be more had he not been ruled out of the 2022 World Cup by injury.
“I don’t consider myself a particularly spectacular goalkeeper. I just try to do things as simply as possible,” he told GQ Italia magazine.
“The most important thing for a goalkeeper is mentality. My philosophy, which I also have written on to my gloves and my boots, is this: Foi, Discipline, Travail, Patiente et Humilté. It means Faith, Discipline, Work, Patience and Humility. That is the mentality I look to every day.
“I worked very hard to get where I am today, so in a way yes, I did expect to reach this level. I believe in hard work every day and have faith in what I do.”
While many players will demur when asked if they are the best in the world, Maignan is a little more open to the suggestion.
“Well, I won’t say no…” he laughed. “There are many great goalkeepers in circulation, this is why I continue working so hard. I know my potential and the best I can give.”
Bayern Munich had been linked with a possible bid for Maignan over the summer, but he assures the fans that he is committed to Milan for the present and future.
“I have many dreams that I want to make come true, above all to reach the top level in football, surpass my limits and leave my mark on history.
“The atmosphere during the Scudetto parade with all those fans, going through them with the open top bus, was extraordinary and unique. I found a real family at Milan and want to win as many titles as possible here.”
Where Maignan stands out among goalkeepers is the ability to start moves from the back, to the degree that he has provided a couple of assists in his Serie A career.
“I am a modern goalkeeper, but you need to be able to mix the new and old school of goalkeeping. Modernity and age are good ingredients to get the best combination.”
Living in Milan also allows Maignan to express another side of his life, the love for fashion, by collaborating with design house Missoni.
Maignan a GQ: "Io il più forte al mondo? Non ti dico di no. Il Milan una famiglia, voglio vincere il più possibile qui" https://t.co/1J5EHZ1MaP
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