AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has ripped into club president Paolo Scaroni over his time in charge.

Maldini was sacked as technical director by Milan at the end of last season.

He told La Repubblica today: "Milan deserves a president who only looks after its interests and managers who don't leave the team alone. He never asked if the players and team needed encouragement.

"I often saw him leave when the opponents equalised or took the lead, perhaps just to avoid encountering traffic, but punctually in the front row for the Scudetto. I have a different concept of sharing and groups. I can also say the same regarding the two CEOs, (Ivan) Gazidis and (Giorgio) Furlani."

Maldini also returned to the negotiation for Lionel Messi, confirming his interest in the now Inter Miami star: "After Barcelona he was free and according to the projection on the related sector he was worth the price, with the growth decree. Leonardo explained to us that Paris Saint-Germain was already ahead, so it remained an idea."

Asked what owner Gerry Cardinale wanted, Maldini also said: "To win the Champions League. I explained that a three-year plan was needed. From October to February I prepared it with (Ricky) Massara and a consultant friend of mine: 35 pages of sustainable strategy and the need for a leap in quality, sent to Gerry, two of his very close collaborators and the CEO Furlani."