All the frustration in an "emoji". No confirmation, but the bewildered smile posted by Rafael Leao on his social networks, after the news of Paolo Maldini's farewell from Milan spread, cannot but be related to the sensational rift between the number one of the red and black club, Cardinale, and former - the historic captain.
The picture showing him smiling with Maldini and Massara at the signing of his contract renewal with the Reds until 2028, at the end of a long and grueling negotiation, dates back to days ago.
????
— Rafael Leão (@RafaeLeao7) June 5, 2023
The last one posted on Instagram by the Portuguese striker, sitting with Maldini on a 'Milanello' bench, as they talk to themselves, when the contract extension was still to be determined, is not only confusing. According to what "Repubblica" reports, the red and black team took Paolo Maldini's farewell very badly, or rather his dismissal by the club's owners.
From Leao to Theo Hernandez and Maignan; everyone is in support of the sports director. It is also learned that the coach Pioli is reflecting, while the team is furious, with the social networks where the red and black fans have expressed their disagreement with this sudden move to "Djalli".
The split between Paolo Maldini, Frederic Massara and Milan arrived like a bolt from the open sky. The only thing missing is the formalization of this sensational news, but it seems that the meeting with Gerry Cardinale has caused a fracture that is difficult to heal. The news that shocked the Rossoneri world and also brought the reaction of "Milan Club", a fan group that came out openly against the club.
Here is their statement: “We express our full solidarity with Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara, following the owners' decision to let them go and end a winning project. Paolo Maldini is a legend for generations of red and black fans and a very important professional in the rebirth of our heart team. We are in defense of his dignity.
For this reason, the conversation now takes the name of "Milan Club Maldini" and invites all Milan fans to leave the stadium, not to subscribe to any tickets for the next season and to boycott any kind of 'merchandising' with the 'Milan' brand. Instead, we renew our total support for the team. Forca Milan, our Milan!".