AC Milan have reportedly parted ways with Paolo Maldini following a displeasing meeting with club chairman Gary Cardinale.
The development came as a surprise to many who value in high esteem the work Maldini has done with the Rossoneri.
Paolo Maldini and Gary Cardinale were at loggerheads as a result of having contrasting visions for the future of AC Milan.
Madini returned to the San Siro in 2018, nearly a decade after his retirement from active football.
The legendary defender took up the role of director of strategic development in the club and in 2019, following Leornaro Araujo’s resignation he became the technical director of the Italian club.
The Influence of Paolo Maldini on AC Milan
Paolo Maldini had an undeniable influence in the team that won the Serie A in the 2021/22 season, claiming the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years.
He also had an impact in AC Milan reaching the semi-final of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Prior to the almost completed season, the Rossoneri had last qualified for the semi-final in the 2006/07 season.
However, the man who spearheaded the return to success appears to be hitting the road.
In addition to Paolo Maldini’s impact on the pitch, he also displayed his brilliance in the transfer market acquiring quality players across Europe.
The 54-year-old was a loyal man to AC Milan as a player and he spent his 25 successful career years with the Italian club.
Alongside Paolo Maldini, co-director Frederic Massara will also be leaving the Red and Blacks due to the disagreement with Gary Cardinale.
AC Milan are yet to release an official announcement regarding the ouster of both individuals with their contract ending in the summer of 2024.
The head of Milan scouting Geoffrey Moncada is apparently set to be promoted to fill in the void left by Paolo Maldini.
An exact decision is also expected to be made for the club’s Chief Executive Officer Giorgio Furlani.
Anyway, the news has been met with mixed reactions from purists, supporters, players, ex-players and more with many being on the divide that the move is not a good one.
Christian Vieri on AC Milan’s decision to dismiss Maldini
Reacting to the news, former teammate of Paolo Maldini at AC Milan, Christian Vieri has expressed that the dismissal of the Italian would be a huge mistake that the club is making.
Speaking on his personal Twitch channel Bobo TV, Vieri said:
“If Maldini leaves, it’s because the club won’t put in a euro. Surely this Cardinale is crazy if he makes Maldini leave, but we see crazy people in football every day.
“In 30 years I’ve met the most fake people possible. Nothing surprises me, this is football, and words are worthless.
“The fans rightly asked for reinforcements yesterday, the stadium was full even if the match didn’t count for anything.
“Last year Milan won the Scudetto, and this year they reached the semifinals of the Champions League. If I were Cardinale I would tell Maldini to sign for ten years”
The Rossoneri couldn’t defend their Serie A title but they qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League for the third successive season.
This is the first time AC Milan are doing so, since the 2012/13 season when they finished 3rd on the Serie A table.
The 19-time Scudetto winners have also tied down Rafael Leao to a deal with the club until the 30th of June, 2028.
