Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

Paolo Maldini will regret AC Milan snub - Sino-Europe Sports consortium

The consortium set to take control of Italian club AC Milan says Paolo Maldini will regret turning down their offer to become the club's new technical director.

Maldini had been approached by representatives of the Rossoneri's new management to take on the new role, but he raised doubts about their intentions and, with a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, confirmed he had rejected their offer.

"Milan have always been part of my heart and passion, and my history and that of my father and my children demonstrates this, and nobody will be able to cancel this bond with the Rossoneri colours," Maldini wrote. "It is precisely for this strong bond that I have to be careful, precise and professional in accepting the role which has been offered to me.

"Certainly it would have been far easier to follow the emotion of the offer and say yes, without considering the possible consequences, and getting down to work on this new adventure with my head down.

"But no, I cannot. I need to respect the values which have accompanied me throughout my life and I have to respect the many fans who have identified with me over the years for my passion, desire and seriousness. I must respect Milan and myself."

Maldini added that the problems were never of a financial nature, but rather that he was not convinced by the overall project of the proposed new owners.

"I do not feel there are the conditions to have a winning team," he said. "What remains is the disappointment of these days to have seen a dream vanish ... but I reaffirm that my values and my independence will always be worth more to me than any role."

The Sino-Europe Sports consortium, which is  due to complete their takeover of Milan before the end of the calendar year, has accepted Maldini's refusal, although it does not share his reasoning.

"We are disappointed by Paolo Maldini's decision over our offer since we firmly believe that soon he will realise how our project for AC Milan is a winning one," the consortium said in a statement published by Mediaset.

"The priority of SES now is to finalise the acquisition of AC Milan."

Other names are now being linked with the role, including former Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, who says he is honoured to be under consideration.

"It's a pleasure to have my name linked with the Rossoneri," he told Radio 105 .

Demetrio Albertini's name has also been linked with the role, while Alessandro Costacurta has already ruled himself out of the running.

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