Why Maldini is leaving Milan

Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara are leaving Milan following tensions with owner Gerry Cardinale and different views on the club’s future.

Massara and Maldini met Cardinale on Monday, but according to several reports, the summit didn’t last long. Barely 35 minutes, according to La Repubblica.

Italian media claim Mancini and his closest collaborator were sacked due to disagreements with Cardinale over the club’s future. The club are expected to announce their departures soon.

Maldini demanded more investments from club owners, while Cardinale was reportedly unhappy with summer signings completed by the pair, especially Charles De Ketelaere and Divock Origi.

Journalist Luca Bianchin wrote in Tuesday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (page 2) that Maldini wanted to sign some experienced players over the summer, from Marko Arnautovic to Domenico Berardi, but RedBird’s vision is more oriented towards young players who can thrive at the club.

Cardinale is also unhappy with the team’s results in Serie A. The Rossoneri have earned a top-four finish, but only thanks to Juventus’ 10-point penalty.

Milan are not expected to replace Maldini and Massara and should promote chief scout Geoffrey Moncada, working alongside new CEO Giorgio Furlani.