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Leonardo reveals why Paolo Maldini rejected offer of AC Milan
“I’ve spent many days with Paolo of late. He wanted to say yes. He wanted to get the job, there was no chance he could say no because he really wanted to return to the club. He was left disappointed by the approach and because they couldn’t explain into details the plans for the future.”
“If I’d received a similar offer, without being even informed about who the new owner will be or who will lead the club, I’d also say no. My requests would be very similar to Paolo’s.”
“Nobody has contacted me. The point is Milan is home to Maldini. If he says yes, he becomes the guarantor of the new project.”
“Paolo wanted to know who the owners are. He trusts Fassone, but Fassone doesn’t know the owners either. He has some reference points but doesn’t know the identities of the people who will actually manage the club. The sale is the only sure thing.”
“The contact person of Fassone is Han Li. But try to look it from the perspective of Maldini: Milan is my home and I want to know who these people are and what they want to do. Paolo has protected AC Milan.”
“He just wanted to know. A person like him must be given guarantees and know his role in the project. He’s aware that he has no experience as a football executive, but with his playing career it would not be a big issue.”
“When I joined PSG, I was introduced to the man who had decided to buy the club and who told me his precise plans for the future of the club saying that he wanted to bring PSG back in the Champions League. Without certainties, Maldini can’t accept the job.”
“It’s not like Zanetti. Zanetti has never left Inter, Maldini is saying no to a club which is not the same he used to play for. He wanted to accept, but it didn’t happen.”