Hakan Safi, a contender for the Fenerbahce presidency, has confirmed reports of a meeting with football icon Paolo Maldini, suggesting a potential future collaboration.
As the Turkish club approaches its presidential election, candidates are actively seeking to win over supporters, especially after falling short of the league title to rivals Galatasaray.
Safi was recently seen in Italy, where he reportedly held discussions with AC Milan directors and had dinner with former Milan director Maldini. He has now publicly acknowledged these encounters in a podcast interview.
Fenerbahce Candidate Discusses Maldini’s Potential Role
“We sat down with Maldini and talked,” Safi stated, confirming the meeting.
He further elaborated on Maldini’s potential involvement, saying, “He will be our football brain in the world, our football ambassador. We will do beautiful things together. In the transfers I will make in the future, we will benefit from Maldini’s presence.”
Maldini, a legend of both AC Milan and the Italian national team, has previously expressed his desire to work only with Milan. However, he might be open to opportunities outside of Serie A. His involvement with Miami FC as a part-owner since 2015, prior to his role as technical director at AC Milan from 2019 to 2023, indicates a broader interest in football management.
Fenerbahce Presidential Candidate Hakan Safi Confirms Talks with Paolo Maldini
Hakan Safi, who is running for the presidency of Fenerbahce, has confirmed that he met with football legend Paolo Maldini to discuss a possible role at the Turkish club.
With the presidential election for Fenerbahce on the horizon, candidates are actively trying to gain support from fans, particularly after losing the league title to rivals Galatasaray.
Safi was recently in Italy and reportedly held meetings with AC Milan directors, as well as having dinner with former Milan director Maldini. He has now confirmed these discussions during a podcast interview.
Fenerbahce Candidate Safi Discusses Maldini’s Potential Involvement
“We met with Maldini and had a conversation,” Safi confirmed.
He further indicated Maldini’s potential responsibilities: “He would be our football strategist globally, our ambassador for football. We will achieve great things together. His presence will be invaluable for the transfers I will undertake in the future.”
Maldini, a distinguished figure for both AC Milan and the Italian national team, has previously stated his preference for working exclusively with Milan. However, he might consider opportunities outside of Serie A. His prior involvement as a co-owner of Miami FC since 2015, before his tenure as technical director at AC Milan from 2019 to 2023, suggests an openness to diverse football roles.
