)
AC Milan star threatens to leave the club as players and fans react to the sacking of club legend Paolo Maldini
AC Milan’s decision to sack legendary defender Paolo Maldini from his post as technical director of the club along with sporting director Ricky Massara has not gone well with fans or players, some of whom have taken to social media to express their displeasure at the decision.
Maldini axed from AC Milan post
Maldini’s departure from Milan came as a shock to most, despite rumours of a breakdown in the relationship between the Milan legend and club CEO Gerry Cardinale.
)
The former Italian defender had been largely successful in his role as director, winning the Sporting Director of the Year award in 2022 at the Globe Soccer Awards after helping Milan to the 2021/22 Scudetto title that same year.
He was responsible for the signings and extensions of stars such as Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, and Mike Maignan, who have become some of the club’s most important players but this has not saved him from being asked to leave the club.
Players and fans demand CEO’s resignation after Maldini decision
AC Milan released a statement on Tuesday confirming Maldini’s departure, and the announcement has been greeted with confusion and annoyance among various stakeholders.
Portuguese star Rafael Leao tweeted a confused emoji and followed that up with a video on his Instagram where he appears to be making a “lips sealed” gesture.
The winger, who just signed a contract extension with Milan under the auspices of Maldini was not the only player to react negatively to the news.
The Italian publication La Repubblica also reported that the French duo of Hernandez and Maignan, who were also signed by Maldini for the club, are outraged at the decision made by the club’s CEO.
Midfielder Yaccine Adli also posted an image in support of Maldini with the Milan legend holding his Technical Director of the Year award.
Fans have also reacted to the club’s decision on social media, calling for the resignation of CEO Cardinale, with the hashtag #CardinaleOUT.
Despite the club not announcing the decision on Twitter, fans have still made their feelings known, attacking other posts, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s farewell videos, with the hashtag.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)