TheNewsGuru

Tag: Maldini

  • Maldini slams AC Milan over Tonali sale

    Maldini slams AC Milan over Tonali sale

    Former AC Milan technical chief Paolo Maldini says he would’ve fought hard to stop Sandro Tonali leaving for Newcastle United.

    Maldini initially signed Tonali for the Rossonero.

    He told La Repubblica of the midfielder’s summer sale: “We would have done everything possible not to let him walk away, even in the face of such an important offer.

    “We have never been totally against the sale of one of our important players, but there wasn’t even a real need.”

    Then he continued: “I like to remember that we spent an amount equal to about a fifth of the value of the transfer to the new owner to purchase him and that even in that case we had to discuss heatedly with the CEO (Ivan Gazidis) and ownership: none of them wanted to buy him, not even the scouting area.”

  • Maldini deserved AC Milan sacking – Collovati

    Maldini deserved AC Milan sacking – Collovati

    Inter Milan legend Fulvio Collovati explains why Paolo Maldini deserved his sacking at AC Milan.

    Maldini and fellow football director Ricky Massara were sacked by Milan owner Gerry Cardinale in a Monday meeting.

    He told Rai Sport: “The news may be surprising, but it doesn’t surprise me.

    “Maldini was the author together with Massara of a bankruptcy market, so he pays for this flop. This new AC Milan club may not want to make the leap and spend, but this can be understood because it is in the hands of a fund that calculates how much money comes out and how this money is spent.

    “Tell me which player was signed by Milan last year who performed according to expectations… They probably should have given Maldini another year, but it’s not surprising about this divorce in my opinion.”

  • Eric Cantona reveals two football legends he admires

    Eric Cantona reveals two football legends he admires

    Manchester United great Eric Cantona says there’s two former players he admires for their longevity.

    Cantona praised United legend Ryan Giggs, 48, and AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini, 54, both of who spent an incredible 24 years playing for their respective clubs – and nobody else.

    The Frenchman told The Athletic: “I am very happy. I still live great moments, in another world, which is much better I think than becoming a manager or staying in the world of football. I don’t know if it is better.

    “I admire Ryan Giggs or Paolo Maldini, who played in the same club for 20 years as a professional.

    “I admire them because me I cannot do it, I get bored very quickly, maybe because I have other passions.”

  • Maldini confirms Chelsea striker joining AC Milan

    Maldini confirms Chelsea striker joining AC Milan

    AC Milan technical director Paulo Maldini has confirmed Olivier Giroud will complete a move to the club.

    Milan reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign the French striker for €2m.

    The 34-year-old is now travelling to Milan to undergo a medical.

    “Yes, [Giroud] should arrive tomorrow,” Maldini told DAZN.

    “Olivier is a champion and a fresh winner of the Champions League.

    “He is a very reliable player, what we were looking for since we need experienced players like him.

    We are the youngest team in Serie A.”

    Maldini also didn’t rule out signing another striker.

    “A young striker could also arrive,” he added.

    “The idea is to lay the foundations for the team and then perhaps wait for the final phase of the transfer market.”

  • Maldini a great mentor for me – Chelsea defender

    Maldini a great mentor for me – Chelsea defender

    Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has revealed how he picked up longevity tips from his former AC Milan teammate Paolo Maldini.

    Maldini played into his forties at San Siro, with Silva learning under him as a young defender.

    Now 36, Silva thanks his former mentor for teaching him about lengthening his career.

    “I had very positive examples close to me and one of those was [Paolo] Maldini, the greatest mentor and teacher I had,” Silva told the club’s website.

    “He taught me a lot, even though he wasn’t aware of it. I was able to see his preparation for training and for the matches.

    “He was a guy who, at 41 years of age, was playing at a high level. He didn’t run as I did when I was 22 but if football was only about running then I definitely wouldn’t be playing it anymore!

    “The ball says everything. It’s the ball that runs, it’s the ball that brings intensity to the match, and I had a great example of that by my side.”

  • Maldini will decide if I stay with AC Milan – Ibrahimovic

    Maldini will decide if I stay with AC Milan – Ibrahimovic

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic has declared he’d be willing to stay with AC Milan next season.

    The Swede was asked about his plans in an interview this past week.

    “I don’t know, let’s see. If Paolo [Maldini, director] wants, I am up for it,” he replied.

    “The season is still long, there are many games left. We always play to win, even if they can play once a week.”

    Ibrahimovic also said, “I am Zlatan, I feel the responsibility and I feel like a leader. This team is the only one that made me feel thrilled. I want to teach, I want to be a guide.

    “When I say something, they others are like: ‘Ok, we are doing it.’ Today I wanted to be in Verona, I felt it inside. When I spend a day without them is like staying without my sons.”

  • Why I would want Maldini in Everton – Ancelotti

    Why I would want Maldini in Everton – Ancelotti

    Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti admits he’d love to have Paolo Maldini as part of his team.

    Asked about whom he would take from his great former AC Milan side, Ancelotti was clear.

    “No doubt! Paolo Maldini because he is my friend, he was my teammate, he was my captain and he is a fun guy, professional guy,” he said.

    “He’s a top guy, top player, so without a doubt it would be Paolo Maldini.

    “That would be nice.”