Maldini: Milan expected FFP probe

By Football Italia staff

Paolo Maldini confirms Milan were ‘not surprised’ by UEFA’s FFP announcement and that Tiemoue Bakayoko will only stay if they reach the Champions League.

UEFA stated on Wednesday that Milan would be investigated for more Financial Fair Play breaches, but the probe relates to Li Yonghong’s management of the club last season.

“The announcement wasn’t a surprise,” Maldini told Sport Mediaset.

“We’re in weekly dialogue with UEFA. We were also excluded from European competition last year and then CAS intervened.

“We’re ready for anything, we have many weapons. As a club we don’t want it to be a tough confrontation without dialogue.

“FFP has wiped out debt in European football, but not allowing a healthy and debt-free club to work in the transfer market is also unconstitutional.

“UEFA understands Milan are a healthy club, with competent people, and we want to return to the top.”

The Rossoneri have a €35m option to buy Bakayoko this summer, and the captain-turned-director admitted it would only be taken up if the club finished in Serie A’s top four.

“He’s shown great character,” he continued.

“He didn’t start very well and had to adjust. We’re super happy with him and we’ll try to keep him, although it depends on FFP and our final League position.

“The Champions League doesn’t count for just the market but also the enthusiasm of our squad.

“it would be bad if we didn’t qualify for Europe’s elite club competition for the sixth season in a row.

“Returning to the Champions League requires a lot of work and we want to do it as soon as possible.”

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