Here is one hour with Paolo Maldini. We talked about a lot. Indeed, now for “Milan” comes a special time. Red and black at the crossroads of not only the season, but also its recent history. What is the captain’s task if the sea is storming? He takes the helm, chooses the right course, and the ship is on the right coast.
“Why are you so sure that Ronaldo is still able to shine?”
“For three reasons.” First: his outstanding technique. Second: he is still relatively young and can improve the game. Third: his monstrous motivation. Ronaldo’s decision to go to Milan was the most difficult and courageous thing in his life. Staying in tough football is very difficult, playing football in Milan is doubly hard.
- Why were Galliani interested in just two opinions: yours and Kostakurty - regarding the possible invitation of Ronaldo to the team?
- He was afraid that the Brazilian could create problems in the locker room. Or that his arrival will be perceived incorrectly. But we have a team of great football players who are always ready to accept any player.
- Was he interested in your opinion about the possible invitation of Cassano?
- Never.
- And what about the return of Shevchenko?
- Not. The fact is that the roles we have are very well distributed. None of the players are allowed to participate in the affairs of the football market. Except in special cases. It seems to me absolutely true.
- Your first impressions of Roni?
- In the Milan locker room, he was next to me. Only I, as an experienced captain, had at my disposal a double locker. So, I gave one of these sections to our newbie. On this occasion, we exchanged a couple of jokes. I think we will still have time to get to know each other better.
- You were not surprised by the friction between Ronaldo and Capello?
- Unfortunately, I have not heard reasonable explanations from the coach regarding the decision to part with Ronaldo. I think champions become champions because they have a lot of pride.
- The departure of “Milan” from the Cup of Italy is able to reduce the euphoria about the invitation to the team of Ronaldo and Oddo?
“No one expected this.” We all dreamed of a finale. And there was every reason, especially after thirty minutes of the first match with “Roma”, when they led 2-0 ...
- So the season can be considered failed?
- Not. I don't want to give up. Indeed, the season did not start well. But it can still end well.
- Would you bet on AC Milan? That he will take fourth place in the championship or win the Champions League?
- These two tasks must be separated. The task of winning the Champions League was originally set. But we should not miss the fourth place in the national championship with our capabilities. It seems, at first glance, not very complicated. But misfires are already unacceptable here.
- But, if you nevertheless assume a failure on both fronts, will the team undergo a total change?
“That should not happen.” The club management is aware that between June 2007 and June 2008, some key players will end their careers. Thus, revolutionary changes will occur naturally.
- During your career you have won many championships with a variety of scenarios. Which scenario do you like more?
- I always liked from the very beginning to seize confident leadership and hold it until the end of the season. In other cases, you may receive more positive emotions, but there is a risk of experiencing more stress. In addition, when opponents manage to impose on your team a serious fight for the championship, you can become a hostage of the incredible events that often occur in football.
- How do you explain the decline in spectator interest in football in Italy this year?
- There are two reasons. First: the viewer received an impressive amount of quality football on television. Second: we have very uncomfortable stadiums. I hope that the situation will change for the 2012 European Championship. And of course, we all really miss Juve. “Inter” dominates, interest in the championship falls.
- Last summer, Del Pierrot refused to invite Manchester. And to whom did you say no in the past?
“I have not admitted to this yet.” Arsenal and Chelsea. These suggestions came directly to me. I don’t know anything about those that were done to AC Milan.
- Do you continue to attend Christian son’s football training sessions?
- Of course. And I get great pleasure watching children playing always with incredible passion. Moreover, their training is even more interesting than games. Children's organisms are able to withstand heavy loads. And they surrender to football without a trace.
- Silvio Berlusconi is going through a difficult period on the political and family fronts ...
- “Milan” remains his passion, and from football he always expects only victories and joy. And we try to never disappoint him in this.
“Kostakurta has already announced his resignation.”
“We know about that.” It’s Billy’s greatest achievement to finish playing at the highest level until he’s 40 years old.
“An achievement that you could repeat ...”
“I am very pleased with how my affairs are going.” Recovery from a rather serious knee injury went very well. I have not missed a single training session since then and almost always I am at the trainer's disposal. This is what I always wanted.
- Consequently…
- Therefore, it is very easy to decide whether to play further or not. The most fundamental aspect in this matter was my physical condition. Now I don’t even think about them. And it pleases. I always have time to finish. And it does not depend on the fact that my contract ends in June. Signing a new one will not be a problem. The situation is this: my inner typhosy does not allow me to finish my career yet. Of course, I am concerned that at this age I still like to play ball, train, endure and suffer. But I pass all the tests successfully, the knee no longer swells. Football brings me joy. And the wife pushes to continue playing. And I, perhaps, agree with her.
Translation by George BYCHKOV