Maldini: ‘I’ve become a director only for Milan’

Paolo Maldini admits he hadn’t planned to become a club director after his playing career: ‘I’ve done it for Milan only.’

The Rossoneri won the Serie A title for the 19th time in their history after a 3-0 win over Sassuolo today.

It was the first Scudetto for the club in 11 years and the first one for Paolo Maldini as a director. His son Daniel, who is part of the team, has become the third Maldini to become Serie A champion with the Rossoneri after his father and his grandfather Cesare.

Maldini began his post-match interview with DAZN right after Theo Hernandez.

“Of course, I am proud, Theo has always had unique qualities. I believe he has room for improvement,” he said.

“His path over the last three years has been incredible. Everything we told each other in that bar in Ibiza eventually happened. I didn’t tell him we’d win the title. We’ve thought about it only from this season. Guys like him and Rafa [Leao] and everybody in the team has something special.”

Milan win Serie A title, Theo: ‘I’ve changed thanks to Pioli and Maldini’

Maldini bought Theo from Real Madrid for €20m in 2019. The France international has become of the Rossoneri key players. Maldini was asked what’s the difference between winning as a coach and as a player.

“As a player, you can put all your energy on the pitch. As a director, you can’t do that, so your wife and children have to deal with youth highs and lows at home. However, there is one common thing, and it’s passion. First of all, for this sport and Milan,” he said.

“My career as a director exists only because of Milan. It’s not something I had planned after the end of my playing career. I took time, I’ve tried to understand and learn, waiting for the right moment, and I was lucky.”

This is particularly interesting because Maldini’s contract at the club runs out in June, but there are no doubts over his stay at the club, even if Elliott sells the club.

“We have a young team, with many players who need trust and one of the secrets of these three years was to respect what we told the players. Many things happened because we’ve always had a program and a credible idea. That’s what we must do as directors,” Maldini continued.

Watch: Maldini overjoyed following Milan’s Scudetto success

How did he manage to turn things around at Milan?

“It was difficult, but I always say that this is a unique club. We have our own DNA, special fans, and a whole city pushing us. Our culture makes us take not so long to reach a certain level.”

Sandro Tonali arrived for a post-match interview as well.

“Tonali? He has yet to show all his worth. Whoever sees him every day in training knows what Sandro is worth. Those who have played in top clubs know there is a difference between high-level performances in some stadiums compared to others.

“We are all very happy, but you never stop learning. I am young as a director, this is my fourth season, but one never stops learning and young players can give more and more. They have incredible energies inside and many times, they need trust.”