- 19 hours ago
FURIOUS Chelsea-targets Rafa Leao & Maignan could QUIT Milan
Carlo Garganese
- 6 Jun 2023 09:24 BST
- 4 min read
There is chaos at AC Milan after the sensational sacking of Paolo Maldini on Monday.
AC Milan technical director Maldini and sporting director Ricky Massara were told by owner Gerry Cardinale on Monday - just one day after the end of the Serie A season - that they were being disposed of.
This has caused widespread shock and anger among Milan’s fanbase and the playing squad.
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There are multiple reports that star players Rafa Leao, Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez are all considering their futures.
Leao only signed a new contract at Milan last week, extending his deal that was set to expire next year until 2028.
Maldini had played a key role in convincing Leao to commit his future to Milan as the Portuguese winger had been courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea.
Leao expressed his feelings on social media after the news of Maldini’s sacking with a thinking emoji on Twitter.
🤔
— Rafael Leão (@RafaeLeao7) June 5, 2023
Leao is not the only Milan player who is reportedly furious at the sackings of Maldini and Massara.
Maignan is also said to be considering his future amidst interest from Chelsea.
The Frenchman has developed into arguably the best goalkeeper in Europe together with Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois.
Theo Hernandez is also said to be up in arms. He has a very close relationship with Maldini, who convinced him to join Milan from Real Madrid in 2019.
At the time Theo was considered an unfulfilled talent but Maldini assured him that he believed he could become one of the best left backs in the world.
Under Maldini’s guidance this has transpired.
These developments have plunged Milan into chaos at the start of their summer transfer window.
The Rossoneri endured a very difficult 2022-23 Serie A season. They only qualified for the Champions League in fourth position because Juventus were deducted 10 points.
They did reach the semi finals of the Champions League but it is recognised that this is a squad that needs a lot of work in the transfer market.
Cardinale is already unpopular with many fans for his lack of spending since taking over the club from Elliott Management last year. #CardinaleOut was trending on social media on Monday evening.
Maignan €13m > €60m
Tomori €28.5m > €50m
Tonali €17m > €50m
Theo €20m > €70m
Kjaer €3.5m
Saelemaekers €7m
Leao €25m > €90m
Bennacer €16m > €50m
Giroud €500k
Maldini & Massara were brilliant at their job considering the limited budget they always had…💔 pic.twitter.com/KzMXMPutq9— 🦅#CardinaleOut (@nemaccer) June 5, 2023
Maldini and Massara, meanwhile, are considered heroes for their work in transforming Milan into Scudetto winners in 2021-22 with a modest budget. That was Milan’s first league title in 11 years.
Maldini, of course, is already a club legend for his playing career having spent 25 years as a player for the Rossoneri - making over 900 appearances and winning seven Serie A titles and five Champions Leagues.
He is widely regarded as the best left back in football history.
It is unclear right now who will replace or succeed Maldini and Massara in their positions.
