AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has spoken in during AC Milan Talk on the club's official Twitch channel. Here are his statements:
The joy of the team and the coach at the final whistle in Bergamo:
"It was wonderful, it was an emotion. It's a season that lasted almost two years, the coach has played two consecutive seasons since he arrived, he hasn't had a vacation,, there was the covid that turned our lives upside down. We had this dream, we came in second place for our unity of purpose. It was right to celebrate together, these images are very significant".
How did you live it?
"The times, goals and clubs are different. As a player I was lucky in my third year as a pro to have the president berlusocni who did something exceptional in the world of football. Retracing that team will not be easy for any club, then we were celebrating Champions like this. There must be a beginning for everything, this is the beginning of an adventure that will continue and will lead us to compete at the highest level. We are very happy but we must be ambitious. The difference between player and manager is huge, as a player you have tension but then you play. As a manager you keep everything inside and it becomes difficult".
What were the key moments?
"The real key moment was when the coach and I were confirmed and it was decided to go on with the group that was doing so well. That I think was the key moment, we only had 3 weeks to improve the team, then Rio Ave's qualification was the most difficult moment with so many players out and the real spirit came out. It was a sign."
What emotions?
"Going to the Champions League obviously has an economic implication, we are very close to the sporting side. It is an even higher challenge than in the championship, it reserves both positive and negative surprises, but when it comes to AC Milan they are almost always positive. Ibra in the locker room asked who had played the Champions League, only Hakan Calhanoglu raised his hand".
On the flags:
"It was difficult then, now it's even more difficult. Being able to find a footballer who has ambition and qualities, finding an environment that allows him to fulfill his ambitious requests is difficult. The foreign and young people's market, when they sign their first contract, is so large that they are actually beautiful stories but increasingly difficult".
What group did you have this year like?
"It's difficult to say. I have always been part of groups with expert players. This is the youngest in Italy, there will be few similarities but we hope they will be similar in the results".
On Donnarumma:
"I think we have to thank all the players who have made this incredible season. Gigio was a leader and often a captain. People have a hard time understanding what it means to be a professional, who must be ready to change shirts. It's difficult. to accept, it is increasingly difficult to find careers. We must have respect for those who have given so much to Milan, who have never disrespected us. The paths diverge, I can only wish them the best."
