Mansion Sports – AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has reaffirmed his deep emotional attachment to the Rossoneri, acknowledging that he still finds it difficult to speak openly about the club while emphasizing that he would never work for any other team in Serie A. 

He also expressed his approval of the Italian Football Federation’s decision to appoint Gennaro Gattuso as the new national team coach, describing it as a well-considered move.

Maldini’s Continued Connection to AC Milan

Maldini spent his entire playing career with AC Milan, continuing a family lineage established by his father, Cesare Maldini, and carried forward by his son, Daniele Maldini. 

After retiring, he returned as a club director, but his tenure ended in 2023 following disagreements with Milan’s ownership regarding the direction of the project.

During the Premio Viareggio Sport event, Maldini commented on Milan’s current standing.

“I still find it difficult to talk about Milan, but I am happy to see that their position in the Serie A table is better than it has been lately,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.

The upcoming Derby della Madonnina, set for Sunday, will once again bring Milan face-to-face with long-time rivals Inter. Maldini noted that such matches carry a unique weight.

“Derbies are always special. There were seasons when we lost six or seven in a row yet still won the Scudetto, and there were times when winning the derby did not change the reality of a difficult season. A derby has very little influence on the overall outcome of a campaign.”

His Stance on Offers From Other Serie A Clubs

Reports recently suggested that Maldini had been approached by Fiorentina following Daniele Pradè’s resignation from the sporting director role.

“My family mentioned it to me, but I was unaware of any such proposal. There is only one club for me in Italy, and that will never change. I would even add that this applies to clubs abroad as well,” Maldini stated.

Views on the Italian National Team and Gattuso’s Appointment

Italy’s national team continues to face challenges, highlighted by a 4–1 defeat to Norway that pushed them into another World Cup play-off cycle.

“I hope Italy qualifies for the World Cup—for the younger generations who have never experienced seeing the national team there, and for Rino and all of us, because we are all supporters of the Azzurri.”

He also addressed the Italian federation’s decision to appoint Gennaro Gattuso after Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal.

“I believe it was a very good decision, as he represents the spirit that the national team has always embodied. As for the team, we must understand that the landscape of international football has changed. I recently watched Germany against Luxembourg, and Luxembourg dominated an entire half. Other national teams have progressed, and we must keep pace.”

Remarks on Italy’s Emerging Defenders

When asked whether Italy currently has a defender capable of replicating his impact on the national team, Maldini responded with clarity.

“Comparisons are never useful. I was compared to my father, then to Antonio Cabrini, but such things do not help anyone. Every player must be themselves.”