Carlo Ancelotti fired some strong words at AC Milan’s owners after their decision to sack Paolo Maldini, labelling it ‘disrespectful’ to the club’s history.
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The whole Milan world has been rocked by the news that club icon Paolo Maldini has been sacked from his role as sporting director with Ricky Massara following him in what feels like the first real bold move by RedBird Capital since they took over.
We attempted to explore the reasons behind the parting of ways in a feature published yesterday, discussing how disagreements over transfer strategy and perhaps too much honesty in the media seemed to push Cardinale to making a decision that has caused a real stir.
Ancelotti was interviewed by Il Giornale and was asked for his thoughts that his former team-mate and player has been sacked from his role, with his comments relayed by SempreMilan.it.
“I learned in Madrid that the history of a club must always be respected. Here Di Stefano, Amancio, Gento, Puskas are still exclusive values towards which we have reverence,” he said.
“To preserve history at the highest levels, the memory of the past must be protected. What happened with Maldini demonstrates a lack of historical culture, of respect for the Milan tradition. While it is true that history does not make you win it is also true that history teaches you how to win.
“Football clubs who primarily think of doing business ahead of sporting achievements and spirit are destined to fail. Patronage no longer has the meaning of before but profiteering is negative.”
