Daniel Maldini: My whole family is happy about my call-up to the national team

Daniel Maldini has been called up to the Italian national team for the first time, and after arriving at the Coverciano training base, he attended a press conference.



How do you approach these two upcoming matches? 
I am proud to be here. I heard what the coach said, and I am happy. Today I will start training with the team, and I hope to show some good performances.  

What has this period been like for you and your family? Is this call-up a victory for you? 
Being called up here is always a pleasure. My family has been with me throughout, but we haven’t talked much about the call-up—just as usual.  

Did you think of any memories with your father and grandfather? There are rumors that Venezuela (Daniel Maldini's mother is Venezuelan) wanted to call you up. Is that true?  
Yes, I received contact from Venezuela, but I always preferred to wait for the right time and choice for me, and I think it was worth it. I haven’t spoken much with my father about it, but I know he’s happy, and that’s the most important thing.  

There are many photos of your father and grandfather at Coverciano. How do you feel when you see them? Is there a chance you could return to Milan in the future? 
Walking in and seeing photos of my father and grandfather made me feel good. I’m focused on training here and living day by day. As for returning to Milan, I haven’t really thought about it yet. Anything is possible, but right now, I just want to perform well and think about the future at the end of the season.  

When people mention you, it's hard not to bring up your family background. How have you developed your own identity as Daniel Maldini?  
Over time, you start to understand some things. You realize that other people's opinions can be positive or negative, but you must follow your own path. Time, as with everything, helps you understand a lot of aspects.  

When you were a child, did you already have the goal of playing for the national team? Do you remember anything you said to your grandfather Cesare about the Italian national team? 
Every young footballer dreams of playing for the national team—that's normal. As for my grandfather, I don’t remember much. I know he was always close to us, but that was a long time ago, and I can’t recall any specific conversations.  

What is your current position on the field, and who do you want to thank for being here?  
I want to thank the people who have always been with me. If I have achieved certain goals, it’s also because of them. As for my position: I’m fine with playing anywhere in attack, maybe as an attacking midfielder, but also as a winger or second striker. For me, the difference between these positions isn’t significant.  

Do you think this is the right time for you to be here? What do you want to bring to the national team? 
I really do think it’s the right time. The call-up came at just the right moment. I feel good on the pitch and in the team. The Italian national team is a top-quality squad, and I hope to contribute in every way I can: I want to show my abilities, but I’m also willing to sacrifice for the team.  

Which player has inspired you the most? Have you ever asked your father for advice on how to beat defenders? 
Kaká is my favorite player. As for beating defenders, I haven’t really asked my father for advice on that.  

Do you have anything you’d like to say to Palladino and Nesta?  
Coach Palladino has always been great with me, as have the others in the team. He helped me believe in my potential. I’ve also spent some time with Nesta, and we’ve had a great relationship.  

Spalletti mentioned that you sometimes lose focus during games. Do you admit this is one of your weaknesses? Your birthday is on Friday—what gift would you like?  
The coach is absolutely right. I need to work on staying as focused as possible during matches. As for my birthday, just being here is already enough of a gift.  

How do you view your brother Christian's decision to retire early?  
What’s important is that he’s happy. He made his decision at the time, and I can see that he’s also happy with what he’s doing now (Christian Maldini is currently working as an agent).  

Which player has impressed you the most on the pitch? 
In this league, the player who has impressed me the most is Paulo Dybala. The ease with which he does everything is simply incredible.  

What are your thoughts on the issue of extreme fans in Milan? 
I don’t have much to say on that. The question caught me off guard a bit. I’ve seen the news, but I don’t have much to comment on.