Marseille boss André Villas-Boas has not taken kindly to Paolo Maldini’s decision to publicly declare interest in Florian Thauvin.
The Rossoneri have been persistently linked with a move for Thauvin since the summer, with the winger’s contract set to expire in June 2021 making him an intriguing market opportunity for Paolo Maldini and the rest of the management.
On Friday, Maldini admitted during an interview with Telefoot that he is a profile the club are following, stating: “His contract is ending so from the economic point of view he’s very interesting For sure he’s a player we must follow.”
Thauvin then responded to the comments from Maldini and admitted to being flattered to learn of Milan’s interest.
“These are the things that give pleasure when a football legend speaks so well of you. It touched me a lot, it really gives me pleasure and I thank him for this,” he said (via Daniele Longo).
It seems though that Villas-Boas was not at all happy with the words of Milan’s technical director, as after the win against Nantes on Saturday he was asked about the situation during a press conference.
“Thauvin? His contract is expiring and therefore a market opportunity for many. Maldini’s words are a bit out of place. He was not kind to us,” he said (via MilanLive).
“What would happen if we met Milan in the Europa League? But Maldini has the right to say what he wants.”