Cremonese sporting director Ariedo Braida is surprised by AC Milan delaying to secure directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara to new deals.

The pair penned new contracts yesterday on the day their previous deals were to expire.

Braida told Sky Italia: "It is paradoxical that the merit came with difficulty in the history of Milan - because the Maldini family is Milan - who won the championship with Massara and players and coach.

"For me, who lives on football, who loves Milan, I must say that Maldini has always represented Milan in the best possible way.

"The Maldini family is AC Milan and Paolo has been able to give a lot as a player and manager. All the AC Milan fans like me will thank him."