AC Milan

Paolo Maldini slams AC Milan

By Daniel Cross, Reporter | 30 December 2012

Paolo Maldini slams AC Milan for failing to keep the ambition and planning that made them a European force when he played for them.

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has slammed the club, claiming that they are "absolutely normal" rather than the European force they once were.

Maldini won five Champions Leagues and seven league title during 25 years at Milan, but says the current side lack the ambition to be successful.

Milan are currently seventh in Serie A and are preparing to face Barcelona in the Champions League.

"I was fortunate to be with Milan for 25 splendid years," Maldini told La Repubblica. "President Silvio Berlusconi came and taught us to think big, also with his investments.

"Arrigo Sacchi followed and we had the mentality that we'd become the symbol of a style of football. It was something magical.

"Slowly the magic was lost and Milan transformed into an absolutely normal club. That's because Milan stopped transmitting that message and those who had written the history of the club stopped teaching their knowledge to the next generation."

Maldini went on to criticise the club's transfer policy, citing a lack of a long-term plan as a cause of their demise.