AC Milan sporting director Ricky Massara has gathered a lot of attention since he was spotted in the dugout alone, emotionally reflecting on the 2-1 win over Lazio.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have provided an insight into what Massara does, beginning by stating how he arrives at Milanello every morning along with technical director Paolo Maldini. They leave home at the same time, they go the same way to the training complex and they chat on WhatsApp before leaving, but they never arrive together.
Maldini goes through the gates first, Massara follows him two or three minutes later, they pat each other on the shoulder to tell what they did the night before and then they go inside for training.
Massara has an introverted personality and he does not like the spotlight, but he is proud. His mother is a high-level executive of the Louvre gallery in Paris meaning she passed on to him the notion of organisation and respect.
The image of Massara on the bench alone, visibly moved, after the game against Lazio went viral, so much so that even he was surprised, but he was not annoyed either.
Massara speaks French fluently and at Milanello he talks mainly with Mike Maignan, with the pair having a good relationship. He and Maldini chose him to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma and it proved to be another good intuition as he has 16 clean sheets this season.
Those who know Massara well speak of a man obsessed with football and work and during the mercato it is not uncommon to see him active on WhatsApp at 3 or 4 in the morning, because he has an encyclopedia of names, matches, talents and scouring report.
The list of players he has signed who have exploded is long: Ilicic, Hernandez, Pastore, Lamela, Marquinhos, Manolas. At Milan he was the one to believe strongly in Kalulu, just as he does the 18-year-old Lazetic. He may never be front and centre, but his work certainly is.
Yes, Massara is doing great! Kudos to him.❤️🖤
He is failed scouting lord saladmaker but he pay that by scouting kalulu. Good job mister massara,hope you can stay with AC Milan with investcorp next season
OK he’s really good but he can’t see into the future, i.e., if Saelemaekers fails it can’t be pinned on Massara – it’s up to Saelemaekers to make of himself what he will..
Reccaman, you have some brain damage, 100%.
Good job Ricky, hopefully he finds us more talents.