Iconic Italian manager Fabio Capello, who led Milan through one of their best-ever eras in the early 90’s, praised his ex-player Paolo Maldini for leading the Rossoneri management as technical director. The legendary defender took up reigns as an executive at the start of the 2019/20 season – in the summer of 2019 – before which he was the Director of Development for a year.
Since then, he has played a key role in the Rossoneri’s resurgence on not only the domestic stage, but also on the continental platform, as Milan appeared in the Champions league for the first time this season since 2013/14.
Capello went on to praise not only Maldini, but also sporting director Ricky Massara, in an exclusive interview with Tuttosport.
“Thanks to Maldini and Massara, very good at guessing the players’ purchases. Paolo has an extraordinary talent and is a very intelligent boy. He started a different job but he has already proven himself to be a champion. He has understood who to work with and how to enter this new world,” Capello commented (via MilanNews)
The 75-year-old veteran further gave an example of negotiations with Theo Hernandez, wherein Maldini’s presence was paramount for the defender’s contract extension.
He said: “Furthermore, the surname Maldini, combined with his charisma, has a certain effect on everyone: see the negotiation with Theo.”
After the acquisition of the club by RedBird Capital, new owner Gerry Cardinale confirmed Maldini’s stay at the club for the upcoming season and potentially beyond.
? A warm welcome to the Rossoneri family to Gerry Cardinale ❤️?#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/9vvhuZak6i
— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 1, 2022