Former AC Milan midfielder Roberto Scarnecchia has revealed Paolo Maldini was sacked while in talks to sign a player.

Maldini was axed as technical director at the end of last season.

Scarnecchia told TMW: “I would have renewed Pioli's contract for another 5 years.

"They greatly underestimated the work of the Rossoneri coach, who is someone that is building," he said.

“I don't like how the club operated. Maldini, for example, called me and said that he was abroad and told me that he had been sacked and was in Portugal negotiating with a player. There are some inexplicable choices."