Maldini Returns: "I believe in this project, I'm very happy to be here"

Over forty years of history has returned to Milan: Paolo Maldini has returned home, ready to take on the role of Strategic Development Director of the rossoneri. Today, the former Captain spoke was intervened in the press conference for his presentation [and return].

"I never said no without first talking - debuted Maldini- with Barbara we had started a discussion that was unsuccessful; I spoke with the Chinese owners and we did not define a role for myself, so I decided not to cooperate. Leo now called me and I talked to the owners who presented me with this project in which I believe in, and now I'm very happy to be here".

"Leonardo was fundamental, people make the difference. I'm his friend, he called me twenty days ago: I met the owners in New York and things were completed fairly quickly. The roles are different between me and him, but the sense of belonging must be transmitted to this team".

"The company, I believe, must be solid and it will be: I must take into account the FFP: there will be no crazy spending, there will be a way to talk about the market.I have been assured that this company is serious and wants to keep this club for a medium-long term period. I spoke with Gattuso shortly - we only said goodbye. We'll see each other very soon. The goals are clear: we will do better than the two sixth place finishes [past two years] and will try to improve the team."

"At the base of everything there is love for this club: if there is a choice in football it is in Milan or in the national team. Before, I had the field that allowed me to look cold [as a person], but I was always passionate: I'm here to learn and give a lot, my managerial career will be long and full of success. I think I could not be happier to find people like the ones I have found today. My relationship with the fans is wonderful: they love me and have always shown it to me. That last day with the curva has remained with me, I am judged for what I have produced and what I will produce".

"I had a long career and when I decided to leave I opened a new chapter: I've always been passionate about football, I have followed Milan and will now focus on the new project. Caldara and Romagnoli are among the most interesting young people. I was impressed by this parable of Cutrone; I saw him play in the youth clubs and I am very impressed by his growth".

"Donnarumma? I think he knows he can be a symbol of Milan. Every story has a different parable, the idea is to help this kind of relationship. Some similarity with the defense of my Milan is with the current one: the level was very high, I think mine was one of the strongest defensive lines ever, but we will work on that".

"The fact of having Leo by my side is important from a managerial point of view. I will also have to deal with the first team, youth sector, market, and coach: the tasks and duties are the same between me and Leo."

In addition to the former captain of the rossoneri, Milan technical director Leonardo also spoke at the press conference.

"Paolo's 'yes' existed, but the definitions to bring him here were missing. The fact that we are together now, having Paolo with me, strengthens myself and my duties in everyday life. With him, I have always shared special moments and possibilities, it has always been like this: what has convinced him today were the conditions to his role; Paolo will be with me for everything, for whatever we will do. We could have shared a role: Paolo represents everything in this society, no other club has such an important symbol. Many have lived ties but not victories, having Paolo in this Milan society is of huge value".

"We had talked about the possibility of collaborating in Paris, but it was for something different: here at Milan we already knew one thing about what he thought of the other role. Does the presence of Paola rule out a new Sporting Director? At the moment we will do everything ourselves, between me and Paolo there is total harmony: people's choices are fundamental."

"What has amazed me in Paolo, is consistency. When Paolo was seen training, this was to be the training behavior for a player: always to be 100% focused. There is no bigger role model for this. There are clear lines, you look at Paolo and you know: we want serious people, who commit themselves and want to stay here. Compatibility with the FFP is a priority, and we invented a way within the FFP that is true: what we are doing with Juventus for Higuain and Caldara is an example of this. We have to spend what we collect".

"Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic? It is a dream for us and for many other. He is a player in which I see enormous, modern growth, but today he is not feasible."

"Kalinic to Atletico Madrid? It is almost complete. It has been a long negotiation, but we are at a good point."

"Suso is very important for us, he will absolutely not be leaving."

"Rabiot? There was no talk. He's a great player, but there has been no contact."

"Kaka? He has expressed the desire to learn as a manager: this makes me happy, Kaka is the last player to win a golden ball at Milan. Surely he will be in the area: we do not know how, but he has a great desire to learn. In September he will be here in Milan and we will see each other, there is nothing definite".