Milan legend Paolo Maldini has warned the club that having sold Kaka to Real Madrid, they have no chance of winning the Champions League.
Financial worries prompted the Serie A side to sell the Brazilian but Maldini, who retired at the end of the season after 24 years with the Rossoneri, said he understood why fans and team mates had been unhappy with the departure of the former World and European Player of the Year.
“Kaka is the first player of this level to be sold (by Milan). In the past an idea like that would never have been considered,” the 40-year-old told a news conference.
“Looking at the accounts is logical but it is also logical to set obtainable targets, thinking of winning the Champions League without Kaka is a Utopian dream.”
Milan, who want Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, have said no other high profile names will leave despite Brazil forward Alexandre Pato and Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo questioning their futures at Sn Siro.
“Before leaving Milan, Pirlo would think about it not 10 but at least 100 times,” Maldini said. “I don’t believe there will be another soap opera like Kaka with Pato. He must stay here.”
Maldini backed owner Silvio Berlusconi’s decision to appoint untried Leonardo to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who left for Chelsea.
“Leonardo is a gamble but in general the president has won these types of bets. Bringing in innovation and youth is not a bad thing, it is a courageous choice,” he said.
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