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Theo Hernandez has shared his thoughts on Paolo Maldini’s unexpected sacking in 2023, stating that “everything changed for the worse” at AC Milan after that.
In the summer of 2019, Maldini pushed for the signing of Theo Hernandez after meeting the left-back in Ibiza. An agreement was reached with Real Madrid and while the Frenchman’s impact wasn’t immediate, he eventually had his breakthrough with the Rossoneri.
Most fans saw them as an unstoppable duo with the red and black colours, but then Maldini left the club after the 2022-23 season as he didn’t see eye to eye with the new owner Gerry Cardinale. Fast forward two years and Hernandez also waved goodbye.
In his lengthy and honest interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Hernandez spoke about Maldini’s departure and the effect it had on the club. Aside from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, there is no longer the Milanese spirit at Milanello, as he described it.
Your farewell post was controversial… “The direction the club has taken and some of its decisions do not reflect the values and ambition that brought me here.”
“It’s the truth. When I arrived, the club had Massara, Boban, and Maldini, my idol. Ibra is a top player, but after Paolo, everything changed for the worse.”
Maldini chose you…
“The day he called me to meet was the best day of my sporting life. He joined me in Ibiza and we chatted. I couldn’t believe it. If I have become who I am, and also the AC Milan defender with the most goals, it’s thanks to him. We’re still in touch. His shirt with the dedication: ‘Theo, my worthy heir’ makes me emotional.”
Did his farewell shock you?
“I felt disoriented. Last year, Calabria and I showed up at Milanello wearing Paolo’s jersey, and some people didn’t like it. They ripped up a flag for nothing. Aside from Ibra, the lack of Milanese spirit is noticeable.”
English (US) ·