Dida discusses Fonseca, Leao, Reijnders and why Maignan will ‘become the best’

Nelson Dida has praised AC Milan star Mike Maignan, who he believes can and will become the strongest goalkeeper in the world.

Maignan arrived at Milan from Lille in the summer of 2021 and had the tough task of replacing the outgoing Gianluigi Donnarumma who left to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free. The Frenchman actually worked with Dida, who was the goalkeeping coach for one season.

The Brazilian is someone who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, given that in his ten-year spell with Milan from 2000 to 2010 he was widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.

The accolades certainly helped his case too as he won the Champions League with the Rossoneri in 2003 against Juventus (when he was the hero in the penalty shootout) and in 2007 against Liverpool.

Dida took part in the padel tournament organised as part of the 12th edition of the Aspria Charity Open yesterday and he spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his former club.

Was Saturday’s performance the most convincing so far?

“It was an important performance, in a season that started with ups and downs. I think I see more confidence and greater communication between the technical staff and the players. I hope this growth continues and that the results are better and better.”