With reports that the relationship between Paolo Maldini and new Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is crumbling, it is worth looking back at the statements the club legend made which outlined the whole problem.
A meeting was held this morning at Casa Milan and multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia report it went badly, so much that both Cardinale and Maldini are giving serious thought as to whether they will continue working together this summer.
Former defender Maldini has a contract to June 2024 and has made it clear many times he is not interested in remaining unless there is agreement on how to continue together.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset after the Champions League semi-final elimination to Inter last month, Maldini made absolutely no secret of his concerns at the direction of the club his family has been attached to for three generations now.
“As we said last season, we are not yet built to handle two tournaments. We said that to the media, but also to the club owners, so they know that full well.
“This journey stated four years ago, which took great results, both economic and sporting, built a young foundation to the squad and there are roughly three years difference in the average age of our squad to Inter’s and that lack of experience tells at this level.
“You are never sated at Milan, that is not allowed. I think there are opportunities to take, so reaching the Champions League semi-final is something we must make the most of economically too, so invest to finish in the top four and hope to repeat this journey again.”
Maldini reiterated a similar position in his interview with Amazon Prime Italia ahead of the first leg of that tie too.
“I think we are not yet ready to stay at this level, but talking to the American investors who have come through here, I said that this is a special club and a special city, so the process is accelerated.
“I said we must be able to grab the moment, because if we let this moment go and don’t try to reach the highest step, it would be a pity and we’d risk taking two steps back.”
The fans showed they agree with Maldini and want more investment in the team with banners during last night’s final Serie A game of the season against Verona.
‘Another year has passed, it is time for the transfer market. Club, we want a step up the ladder.’