Mike Maignan experienced an unprecedented first season in Rossoneri colors, playing a key role in Milan’s triumph to a first Scudetto title in over a decade. Expectations were abound for the French goalkeeper when he first arrived due to the high standards set by ex-keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who eventually left for Paris Saint-Germain. However, he shrugged off all criticism and prove doubters wrong.
Speaking to DAZN (via Calciomercato) in an exclusive interview, Maignan talked about important topics, including the role of a shotstopper, his favorite player, the Scudetto triumph in his debut season, and his relationship with Dida. He expounded on his position.
“The role of the goalkeeper is difficult, since you are on your own. You have to do a very precise job. So, a very strong mentality and personality is needed, because often you are the most important man on the team.”
Maignan revealed he moved to such role due to a lost bet.
“When I was a child I wanted to be a midfielder or a forward, in short, an outfield player. I became a goalkeeper because I lost a bet with one of my coaches, Romain Damiano. I had to go to Clairefontaine for the test, and I he said that if I had reached the last step he would have confirmed me as shot-stopper. And so it was.”
Astonishingly, the Ligue 1 winner then disclosed the player he was a fan of as a kid, along with the team he supported.
“As a child, the player I watched the most was Steven Gerrard, because I cheered for Liverpool, and I liked him a lot.”
On his relationship with Dida, Maignan feels the legendary Brazilian shotstopper has helped him leaps and bounds.
“When I arrived in Milan we talked a lot right away. I always try to learn from him, understand with him where I can improve, get to know Milan: he has always helped me a lot.”
Finally, he shrugged off comparisons with former goalkeeper Donnarumma.
“Last year I didn’t feel the pressure, even if I inevitably saw that people made many comparisons between me and Donnarumma. But this doesn’t change anything to me. Before every game I isolate myself, because outside people talk too much and I don’t want to feel their pressure on me.”
The 27-year-old has 42 Rossoneri appearances since signing from French outfit Lille.
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