Maignan discusses honour of captaincy and attachment to Milan: “I’ll always be a Milanista”

Mike Maignan has claimed that he will be an AC Milan fan for the rest of his life, having fallen in love with the club during his time.

Maignan arrived in the 2021 summer transfer window from Lille with the difficult task of making fans forget about Gianluigi Donnarumma, who headed the other way to France to sign for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Winning the Scudetto in his first season certainly helped things, and quickly Maignan became ‘Magic Mike’ in the eyes of the supporters. His big saves in big moments – as well as his charismatic character and obvious sense of leadership – have made him one of the best in Europe.

After recently renewing his contract, Maignan is the protagonist of a new documentary titled ‘Beyond the Magic’ produced by DAZN and released in full today. Some excerpts have already emerged, as relayed by the official website.

What is it like being captain?

“Being captain is a responsibility, and I’m proud to be one: in a group of twenty or thirty players, there’s only one. You don’t play a role, you have to be yourself and set an example. That’s what I try to do every day, without abusing the armband or the status.

“If they gave me the armband, it’s because of who I am. In the past, I always told the youth coaches that there was no need to give it to me, because I already felt like a captain without it. Today, wearing it is a source of pride and responsibility for me.”

What is Allegri like?

“He’s a master in his dressing room management and his attitude on the pitch.”

How is your season going?

“I started the season with a strong desire to make up for last year. That mindset has been with me from day one, and it still drives me today.”

What does the Milan shirt mean?

“AC Milan is where I showed myself to the world. Wearing this shirt is something you have to experience to understand. Every time we play, the Club’s greatness is clear.

“From the moment we step into Milanello, we give everything – for all the fans who’ve supported AC Milan for generations, from the youngest to the oldest. This is our spirit, and why I’ll always be a Milanista.”