Mike Maignan, AC Milan's goalkeeper, granted an interview to those at GQ Italia magazine. Here are his statements:
In recent seasons, Magic Mike has been among the best in Europe:
"But I don't feel like a spectacular goalkeeper: I try to do things in the simplest way possible."
What is the best quality a goalkeeper must have?
"The mentality."
Maignan added:
"My philosophy, also written on my gloves and boots, is 'foi discipline travail patiente et humilité'. It translates to: 'faith, discipline, work, patience, and humility': that's my daily mentality."
One of his secrets is his self-belief:
"I've worked very hard to be where I am today. So yes, in a way, I expected to reach these levels. And I believe in daily hard work, I have confidence in my work."
Many people think you're the strongest goalkeeper in the world, do you think so? Maignan said:
"I won't tell you no... (laughs). There are many very strong goalkeepers out there, that's why I keep working hard. However, I only focus on myself: I know my potential, the best I can give."
His confidence and sense of duty come from afar and have roots in his childhood when he lived in a tough suburb of Paris:
"I'm a confident person and a hard worker, but at the same time, family is extremely important to me. I think there's a time for everything in life, and one must find the right balance to perform well and at the same time dedicate time to loved ones, because it's also for them that I do all this. I have a goal to achieve and I stay focused, it's the most important thing."
On his goals, Maignan said:
"I have many dreams I want to achieve, but above all, I want to reach the highest level in football, surpass my limits, and leave a mark in history."
On football in Paris:
"There's incredible work by Parisian coaches, and young players are on the fields from a very young age. And there's a great mentality: everyone wants to win."
Maignan on the 2022 Scudetto:
"The atmosphere during the parade with all the fans, when we paraded through the city on the bus, was an extraordinary and unique moment. At Milan, I found incredible teammates and fans. A family. Here, I want to win as many trophies as possible."
Mike is a special goalkeeper not only between the posts but also with his feet:
"I'm a modern goalkeeper, but to be a good goalkeeper, you need to know how to mix new and old school. Modernity and old game are the ingredients to achieve the best combination."
Not just football, Maignan is a big fan of fashion, as shown by his collaboration with Missoni:
"I have a classic and contemporary style. Hence my collaboration with Missoni, which is an elegant but at the same time unique and highly sought-after brand. Through the collaboration, I could express myself, give my opinion, they allowed me to choose the materials. For Missoni, every detail matters, and the same goes for me: that's why the collaboration works great", as relayed via Milan News.
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Great to hear that you’re confident and driven, Maignan! It’s inspiring to see players with your mindset. Here’s to winning as many trophies as possible with Milan!