AC Milan sporting director Ricky Massara has revealed that the club are still ‘hopeful’ of renewing Gianluigi Donnarumma but did not deny the Mike Maignan speculation.
Calciomercato.com wrote earlier today how the Rossoneri are one step away from a total agreement with Lille regarding Maignan on the basis of €15m plus bonuses. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s silence in the renewal negotiations is why the Rossoneri have decided to accelerate so as not to be caught unprepared if the 22-year-old leaves.
Maignan is considered the best goalkeeper in all of Ligue 1 as this year he has conceded just 22 goals conceded in 34 games, with 18 clean sheets.
Massara was interviewed by Sky Italia in the pre-match of Lazio against Milan and spoke about several subjects, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.
“We are focused, it is a difficult match, a direct match, it will be a thrilling ending and we are happy to play against these strong teams,” he said.
Earlier today, UEFA confirmed that they have opened a disciplinary investigation into Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic over his involvement in a betting company.
On the investigation into Ibrahimovic, Massara added: “We will take note when it is eventually notified, it does not worry us at all.”
On Donnarumma: “Our position does not change, we have total confidence in Gigio, we hope we can reach an agreement, but now, starting with him, we are focused on this qualification.”
On Maignan: “Milan are vigilant on the market on all roles, but at the moment we have no intention of going to another goalkeeper, we are focused on seeking an agreement for the renewal and we are confident.”
On the recent inconsistency: “I think it depends on the wear and tear of a long season that is added to the twelve games played from June to August. The team has always been able to recover and show solidity and quality, so we must give credit to the team and the coach.”
On pressure: “We have to start getting used to having it, we want to be more and more competitive, we are convinced that this growth path will bring us great results.”
On Mandzukic: “He can bring us experience and strength, he is a champion, so far he has been stopped by injuries, now we have recovered him and in this final he will be decisive for us.”
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