AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko has revealed that he still has an excellent relationship with his former captain Paolo Maldini.
With a tally of 176 goals scored for Milan, Sheva is the second most prolific player in the history of the club having scored the most goals in the history of the Derby della Madonnina with 14 goals. He is considered a hero by supporters, and now he is making moves in the managerial side of football too as his impressive work with Ukraine continues to turn heads.
Shevchenko gave a long interview to the microphones of La Repubblica to mark the release of his new book and he spoke about a number of different topics past, present and future. His comments have been relayed by CalcioNews24.
On how the Champions League gave him his big break: “My only chance to be seen outside Ukraine was the Champions League. And since Dynamo Kiev had excellent results with Lobanovskyi and I was at the centre of that project, Braida and Galliani came to see me. This is why I had the opportunity to join Milan.”
On the Super League: “This is how football and tradition are destroyed. I didn’t understand the formula they invented. In the US, the business model is even better than in Europe. But as Guardiola said, it makes no sense to create a tournament where you always stay in. It is a very badly presented project, it would destroy countries like mine and many others where great talents were born. And it would be detrimental to the culture of football. The model of the Champions League has been modified over time, but it gives everyone the opportunity to participate.”
On his Milan: When you compete to win everything, the ladder at the top narrows. Milan’s success was born of personalities: many of us have been successful, as managers, coaches, presidents, politicians.”
On the current Milan: “Ten years ago I would have said it was impossible [to miss the Champions League for so long], but many things have happened, starting with the sale of Silvio Berlusconi. I hope for the fans that the absence is over. Maldini? We talk often. His work as a director is great. Competitiveness in Italian football is high: Inter made the difference also because Juventus dropped. It’s a very balanced league.”
On his first goal in the Champions League: “For this reason, at 15 I played with Dynamo in a youth tournament near Milan. We visited San Siro and I thought: I’ll be back here.”
On the decisive penalty against Juventus: “My greatest victory. The most difficult thing is not to change your mind in the 50 metres from halfway to the spot.”
Diario AS among other sources have reported that the Rossoneri management could think of sacking Stefano Pioli if a top four spot is not secured and that Shevchenko and his current assistant with the Ukraine national team – Mauro Tassotti – could be the right men to take over.
Shevchenko once again reiterated his desire to coach a club side, professing his dream to one day lead Milan during recent interviews with Tutto Connovati and Che Tempo Che Fa.
On coaching a club: “Yes. I enjoy managing, energy is needed. Don’t ask me where, but I would like a club of international level.”
