Paolo Maldini's new deal with AC Milan has been questioned.

Maldini and fellow director Ricky Massara signed new deals to 2024 on Thursday.

But local journalist Fabio Caressa told Sky Italia: “It seemed forced. In my opinion neither of them were convinced to sign this contract. In the talks there were things he wanted to underline, Paolo is not someone who says things like that.

“He said 'yes we signed it, at the last minute', then if you want to make some interpretations there is a reference to the work done, to the lack of respect for the work done for these days of waiting.

“In my opinion there is reference to a relationship that did not start well with the new ownership because they probably also had contacts with the other possible buyers, who being less tied to the Elliott group perhaps would have had been happier to give Paolo a different position, I imagine.

“For goodness sake, nothing dramatic. He does not want to be a symbol and that is why he has never accepted any other position before: he wants to be someone who works. Then, by the way, having learnt a lot in these years he feels ready to have greater responsibilities.

“I've always said that Paolo Maldini is one of the pivotal men in Milan's victory, for a very simple reason: when you talk to the players they all stress that he was always there. That's an important thing, if your name is Paolo Maldini. I think this renewal was not handled well, it should have been handled with less tension."