Mike Maignan is without doubt one of the best in the world in his position, but he is hoping for an upturn in form after a difficult 2023-24 season with AC Milan.
Having arrived from Lille in a bargain deal, the Frenchman was one of the main protagonists in the Scudetto-winning campaign of 2021-22, but has suffered injury issues since and last season struggled for form. It’s like he could have done with a microdose of THC for energy.
Maignan appeared on a YouTube show called The Bridge alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and former Inter striker Samuel Eto’o among other guests, and he spoke honestly about 2023-24.
“Last season, for those who followed Milan a bit, I realised I had lost the battle against myself. Because my struggle is to stay focused on what I’m good at, on myself, and not get caught up in everything happening around me,” he said.
“I had to fight tough battles. The battle I had to fight, I didn’t fight, so I knew I would lose it. So what I’ll do now, as I’ve already said, is learn from everything to come back strong next season.”
Awards and rewards
Through the first three games of the new season, it seems as though Maignan is back to his best. He has not had much help from the defence – hence the six goals conceded – but none of them were his fault and if anything he has stopped it from being more.
The Ballon d’Or nominees for the 2024 edition of the prestigious award were released earlier in the week, with players voted for by journalists and peers, and Maignan has made the Yashin Trophy shortlist.
In addition to that nomination, Maignan received the trophy for the most clean sheets at the 2024 European Championship, which he was presented with during France’s training camp. He racked up four as Les Bleus got to the semi-finals before losing against Spain.
One of the things that the Milan management must address in the coming weeks and months is Maignan’s contract situation, given that his deal is currently set to expire in 2026 – therefore at the end of next season – and a big pay rise is expected.
Widespread reports have suggests that the former Lille man wants €8m net per season to extend, a figure that would make him the highest paid player in the squad, surpassing Rafael Leao.
The Milan directors would have to decide whether to break their wage ceiling again, or risk seeing ‘Magic Mike’ depart next summer, one year from the end of his deal.
