Scaroni: ‘Hope Donnarumma is happy with his decision’
Milan President Paolo Scaroni won’t tamp down Scudetto ambitions, hails Paolo Maldini’s influence in contract talks and hopes Gianluigi Donnarumma ‘is happy with his decision’ to join PSG.
The chief spoke to Radio 24 this afternoon and covered numerous topics, including their ambitions after picking up 19 points from the opening seven Serie A rounds, their best start since the Scudetto-winning 2003-04 campaign.
“It’s true that one should chase dreams and I too am pleased to see the ambition of the players and coach,” said Scaroni when asked if Milan were targeting the title.
“I am a businessman and in this year’s budget we set Champions League qualification as the target. If we should qualify for the Champions League by finishing top of the Serie A table, that’s even better.
“This is a good time to be a Milan supporter, especially as we are playing some really exciting and entertaining football. I love the fact we hardly ever pass the ball backwards. That’d be a rule I’d love to introduce in football, no passing backwards inside your own half.”
Milan’s progress on the field is one thing, but off it they are balancing the books, in part by not accepting huge wage demands from Gianluigi Donnarumma, Hakan Calhanoglu and now Franck Kessie.
Donnarumma left as a free agent to sign for Paris Saint-Germain, although he is spending much of it on the bench so far.
He returns to San Siro for the first time tonight, representing Italy in the Nations League semi-final against Spain.
“These choices are above all made by Paolo Maldini and Ivan Gazidis,” explains Scaroni.
“If the players and agents have demands we cannot sustain, then other decisions are made and we wish them good luck. We are very glad that we brought in Mike Maignan, who is not just an excellent goalkeeper, but also a leader in the dressing room. We’re happy with this decision, just as I hope Donnarumma is happy with his.
“It was a courageous decision for Donnarumma to leave his comfort zone and I wish him all the best. I hope the fans will welcome him in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Maldini has become a key figure in the transformation of Milan, but is it possible he could be followed into the stands by Ibrahimovic post-retirement?
“Maldini as a great champion, is a great Milanista and a gentleman. He is a much better director now than he was a year ago and that process is continuing,” added Scaroni.
“Ibrahimovic has the mentality to be a director, I don’t know if that’s what he wants to do, but he’s got what it takes to achieve that.”
Scaroni a Radio24: “Mi auguro che San Siro accolga Donnarumma con serenità. L’obbiettivo è la qualificazione alla Champions League” https://t.co/TEgHXtVviP
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) October 6, 2021