Maldini on Cardinale insult and Fenerbahce possibility

Paolo Maldini hit back at Milan patron Gerry Cardinale’s criticism and left the door open to a Fenerbahce job. ‘We’ll see what happens.’

The Italian football legend is considering the next step in his career, having taken time out following his shock dismissal as Milan technical director in the summer of 2023.

A potential return to San Siro has been ruled out by RedBird chief Cardinale, who was quoted by sources as saying Maldini was too much of a ‘one-man show’ and not suited to the teamwork required.

“I think that speaks for itself,” shrugged Maldini when asked about the comment by Tuttomercatoweb during a PR event for Sky Inclusion Days.

The former defender had said many times he would not work in Italian football if it wasn’t for his beloved Milan, where he spent his entire playing career.

However, his future could well be in a technical director role on Turkish soil, as there have been several confirmed meetings with Fenerbahce Presidential candidate Hakan Safi.

Could there be a position even as a consultant with the club in future?

“He is a friend and one of the candidates for the Presidency, so we’ll see what happens if he wins the elections.”