Paolo Maldini has claimed that he sent a comprehensive plan to the AC Milan management regarding transfer strategy moving forward but received no response.
Maldini’s exit was something that created headlines beyond Milano and Italy as he was sacked from his role as the technical director less than 48 hours after the final game of last season, with Ricky Massara also being relieved of his duties.
The reasons for the fall-out between Maldini and RedBird Capital were debated at length in the media and among fans, while there had been a six-month media silence about what happened, but that all ended today.
Maldini did an interview with La Repubblica in which he spoke at length about his exit from Milan at the end of last season, recalling conversations with owner Gerry Cardinale and his work up until that point. He revealed that he had concrete visions to move forward.
What was Cardinale asking for?
“To win the Champions League. I explained that a three-year plan was needed. From October to February I prepared it with Massara and a consultant friend of mine: 35 pages of sustainable strategy and the need for a leap in quality, sent to Gerry, two of his very close collaborators and the CEO Furlani.”
The answer?
“None. Out of 35 purchases we are challenged on De Ketelaere, who was 21 years old. If you choose kids of that age, the failure rate is higher. They must be waited for, helped, pampered, taken back.
“On the other hand, after three months of work, Boban and Massara and I were called to London by the owners and CEOs and practically delegitimised: the various Leao, Bennacer and Theo didn’t like it. But a path was needed. I always remember where we started from.”
