Milan legend Paolo Maldini stated that he did not partake in the talks to join the Super League and apologized to the fans. The Rossoneri were one of the final teams to withdraw from the breakaway competition Wednesday morning.
He talked to Sky before the game versus Sassuolo: “I would like to specify that I was never involved in the discussion related to the Super League. I first became aware of it Sunday night like everybody else. It was decided at a higher level within the club. I run the technical area, I focus on football.”
“I was confused about it, but I will still take the responsibility for it and I would like to apologize to the Milan supporters and to the football fans in general. In 2021, executives are naturally aware that revenues are important. But we have to ask ourselves: how far can we go to pursue them? Surely, we must not go beyond the principles of the sport, such as meritocracy.”
CEO Ivan Gazidis was among the main proponent of the project. Milan explained in an official statement: “We accepted the invitation to participate in the Super League project with the genuine intention to deliver the best possible European competition for football fans around the world and in the best interest of the club and our own fans. Change is not always easy, but evolution is necessary for progress, and the structures of European football have evolved and changed over the decades. However, the voices and the concerns of fans around the world have clearly been expressed about the Super League, and AC Milan must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport.We will continue to work hard to deliver a sustainable model for football.”