Milan’s “one-club man” director Paulo Maldini has been sacked by the club at the end of the 2022-2023 season. It’s believed that he left in disgrace after a falling out with the club’s hierarchy over transfer policy. It’s rare for a director to leave on notice rather than through contract expiration.
Maldini joined Milan’s youth team in 메이저놀이터 1978, made his A-team debut in 1984, and played for the Rossoneri (Milan’s nickname) until his retirement in 2009. After his retirement, he returned to the club as director in 2018 and spent five years at the helm, spearheading the recruitment of players such as Theo Hernandez, Raphael Varane, Olivier Giroud, and Pikayo Tomori.
This led to Milan’s first Serie A title in 11 years in the 2021-2022 season. This season, they also reached the semifinals of the European Champions League. However, his sudden departure shocked many Milan fans.
According to ESPN, it”s been 45 years since the club has been without Maldini since 1978. In the time since Paolo’s retirement, his son Daniel Maldini has stayed with the youth team. He made his professional debut in 2020 and spent this season on loan at Spezia.
Paolo’s father and Daniel’s grandfather, Cesare Maldini, was a Milan defender from 1945 to 1966. He was Milan assistant coach from 1970 to 1972 and Milan manager from 1972 to 1974. He also served as interim coach in 2001.
United manager Alex Ferguson confessed that he couldn’t even try to sign Paolo because he is a Milanese, having played for the club since his grandfather.