Paolo Maldini’s friend and former opponent Beppe Bergomi has explained why he thinks RedBird Capital decided to sack him, as well as what his future might hold.
Less than 48 hours after the final game of the season against Hellas Verona, it was confirmed that club icon Paolo Maldini had been sacked from his role as sporting director with Ricky Massara following in what feels like a real ‘Big Bang’ moment in RedBird’s early tutelage.
We tried to analyse the reasons behind the separation in our own feature, with various factors to consider such as a 2022 summer transfer window that did not yield the desired returns and some rather outspoken interviews given in which he seemed to challenge the owners.
Bergomi spoke about Maldini and his sacking from Milan on Fulvio Collovati’s official channel on YouTube, with his comments relayed by Calciomercato.com.
“I know Paolo Maldini well, he studied a lot to become a director, he did well at Milan, won a Scudetto and took Milan to the Champions League three times, but with the Americans there is one word to keep in mind: collaboration, perhaps some choices have not been shared so much,” he said.
“The Americans offer the possibility to operate but still want a return. So let’s remember that already in Boban’s time, even if it was another property, there was a clash over Rangnick, and this year too, even if seen from the outside, there was some problem.
“The line is dictated by the owners, you are a employee and you have to adjust. Some choices have not been made well but above all I think it is a problem of personal relationships.
“Now I don’t know what Paolo will do, Paolo is Milan. He can go abroad, he knows English perfectly and is highly appreciated, I don’t see him so much in another Italian team.”
I have great respect for him.
Maybe someone better buys the club next year and Maldini can return (to a different role).
Wisdom, “Paolo is Milan” and not “Milan is Paolo”. There’s a difference.