Maldini denies Traore claims
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has denied claims by Liverpool defender Djimi Traore the Rossoneri prematurely celebrated victory at half-time during Wednesday’s Champions League final in Istanbul.
Traore claimed that, with the Italians leading 3-0 thanks to a goal from Maldini and two from Hernan Crespo, Milan’s stars were already celebrating at the interval.
He claimed it motivated Liverpool to come back in the second half when goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso took the game to extra-time before that dramatic penalty shoot-out victory.
Maldini rejected Traore’s claims in remarks on the club’s website, www.acmilan.com.
He said: “We are a side that accepts the result on the pitch and although it was a painful defeat it was a game we deserved to win.
“That does not mean we have to voluntarily accept what Traore was reported to have said which was given a lot of prominence, while in the same article his coach (Rafael) Benitez said the opposite to his player.
“We are experienced players and there were no celebrations in the dressing room during the interval.”
