Maldini reveals Milan went behind his back in Super League talks: “I have never been involved”

AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has claimed that he had no idea about the ongoing Super League talks and the announcement on Sunday.

The world of football was rocked on Sunday night when 12 of Europe’s top clubs announced the creation of a new ‘Super League’ which would be governed by the teams and would replace their participation in the Champions League.

Milan, Juventus and Inter were all involved from Italy as were Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid from Spain. Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs were the other six.

Two days after the official announcement it seems that the project has failed. Manchester City were the first to say goodbye, then all the other English clubs followed. This morning the press releases from Inter, Atletico Madrid, Milan and also Juventus arrived while Real Madrid and Barcelona seem unmoved.

Maldini was interviewed by Sky Italia before this evening’s game against Sassuolo at San Siro, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.

On the Super League: “I would like to clarify that I have never been involved in discussions for the Super League, I learned about it on Sunday evening like all of you. This is something that was decided at a higher level than mine.

“There was confusion, it does not exempt me from taking the responsibility of apologising not only to the Milan fans but to the fans in general. Milan has always respected the principles of sport, it is something I feel like saying.

“It is normal for a manager of a club in 2021 knows that revenues are important. We need to ask ourselves some questions, where can we go? Certainly not changing the principles of sport which are made up of principles, of meritocracy.”

On involvement: “I make my considerations with those who question me. I am in charge of the sports area of ​​a club that has football as its object.”

On how to start again: “We are here to fight to get to the top four, the boys have it very clear in their heads.”