Paolo Maldini has turned down an offer to get back into work in the Saudi Pro League, because he would only consider returning to AC Milan.
After retiring, Maldini returned to Milan to be a director, leading the club on an incredible journey that culminated with the 2021-22 Scudetto win – after 11 years without a league title – and a return to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
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Things seemed to be on the up, but he was dismissed from his role along with Ricky Massara at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, having called for the ownership to invest more. There have since been many calls for him to return, but it seems a long way off at the moment.
Other offers have been coming in, in the meantime. According to Nicolo Schira, a Saudi club have submitted a ‘very rich bid’ to Maldini in the last few weeks, but he turned down the offer. He doesn’t want to sign and to work for another club which is not Milan, and this stance will remain.
Maldini’s words
Maldini spoke to Tuttomercatoweb at the Premio Viareggio Sport event last month, and he was asked about the rumours that he might take the place of Fiorentina’s sporting director Daniele Prade.
“My cousin called and told me that, but I knew nothing about it. There is only one club for me in Italy, and that is how it always will be. In fact, I’ll add abroad as well,” he said.
“I still find it difficult to talk about Milan, but I am happy that their current position in the Serie A table is better than in the recent past.”
Pure class and a true hero.
I hope he one day will return in some capacity but unless Cardinale sells the club I simply can’t see that happening but I absolutely respects his one club man approach. We need more people like that in modern day football which pretty much is a soulless money grabbing business pursuit for a great deal of players and clubs trafficking players for a quick buck to keep the wheels turning.
I couldn’t agree more Martin. Maldini was pure class and set the bar so high .
Very well said, I also hope he returns one day in some capacity as he is Milan, what he has accomplished will never be forgotten.
Absolutely both as a player and as a man.
Thanks, Yeah doubt his acomplishments will ever be topped again and if it does it surely wont be in my lifetime.
Well said!
Thanks Vero
I concur ❤️🖤
I love this man so much
I wish I had the money to rebuild this Milan with Maldini at its helm. Primary goal – to win 20 Champion Leagues before Real Madrid does it 🙂 and 45 Scudetti before Juventus.
The management is terrified and intimidated by the weight of Milasmo in the DNA of maldini….they cannot bear the air of ambition and success that course through this man.
Clubs can become stable and increase the loyalty in football if they bring salary cap for each club but not like today premier league relegated teams win more money than champions of other country. This will only increase less loyalty in football.
Funny thing was Maldini sacked because they don’t want to spend more money, now they spent more money than Maldini asked and the team was worse than it was.