AC Milan and Daniel Maldini parted ways in the summer, with the youngster’s position within the squad unclear. However, with him already receiving a call-up to the Italian Men’s National Team, the Rossoneri might regret the decision.
Just having the name that the youngster has adds pressure to your shoulders, and that is without playing for the club where your surname is so iconic. This is probably why Maldini felt it was best to progress away from Milan, but it may not be the end of the chapter.
A returning Maldini has been a headline once before – perhaps, it could be again in the future – and if Daniel was to one day return to the Rossoneri, it would likely be done with open arms.
Speaking at the Azzurri’s press conference this morning, he spoke about the possibility of returning to the Diavolo in the future, whilst referencing his idol – who was conveniently a Milan great – and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
What have the hours been like for you and your family? Is this call-up a victory for you?
“It is always a pleasure to be called up here. My family has always been close to me, we have spoken little about this convocation and more like we always do.”
Did a thought go out for memories with your dad and grandfather? Is it true that Venezuela wanted to summon you?
“Yes, I was contacted but I always preferred to wait for the right moment and the right choice for me. I think it was worth it. I spoke a little with Dad, I know he’s happy and everyone is happy. That’s the important thing.”
There are photos of your dad and grandfather in here. How did you feel seeing them here? Will you be able to return to AC Milan in the future?
“It makes me feel good to come in here and see photos of my dad and granddad. I’m focused on my retirement here. I live day by day. On the possible return to AC Milan I’m not thinking about it, everything is possible but I’m thinking about doing well and then we’ll see at the end of the year.”
How did you come to become Daniel Maldini with your own identity?
“With time you start to understand a few things and you start to understand that the opinion of others can be positive or negative, but you have to go your own way. Time, as in all things, helps you to understand many things.”
When you were a child, did you already have the goal of playing for the national team? Do you remember something you said to Grandpa Cesare about Italy?
“It’s normal that every boy who plays football dreams of making it to the national team. With Grandpa, I remember a few things, I know he was always close to us but too many years have passed to remember specific episodes.”
What is your role? Who do you have to thank for being here?
“To the people who have always been close to me, if you achieve certain goals it is also thanks to them. As for the role: in attack, I’m really fine with everything, maybe trequartista, but it’s also fine as an outside player or second striker, it makes very little difference to me.”
Which player are you inspired by? Have you asked Dad for advice on how to get the better of defenders?
“As a footballer, Kaka was the one I liked the most. I didn’t ask Dad for any advice on how to jump over defenders.”
Which footballer did you see on the pitch that impressed you the most?
“In this league, I think Dybala is the player who has impressed me the most, the ease with which he does things is incredible.”
Always a pleasure reading the Maldini’s interviews. Hope he gets his debut and scores and hopefully one day returns to AC Milan.
Oh no man thanks, no need for an Italian boomer who never played in MLS or never had a movie about him with Brad Pitt starring for him. We’re fine with pain and drama and hoping for the third star.
Thanks for the delightful insight.
Any comments on the management?
More to come I guess.
I would rather have him in the team than RLC. But 20M useless guy was cheap.
The only hope is that we’ll use that 50% resale clause to repurchase him. All in all 360 degrees bad decision from the management.
I don’t know what Spalletti is planing on using Maldini for… He’s got a good shot, maybe a good free kick in him…
I guess we’ll find out next time we are up against him