I’m a ex-Arsenal ace who joined AC Milan – I was struck by Maldini’s kindness

MATHIEU FLAMINI has revealed that he was “struck by humility” when he joined AC Milan.

The retired French midfielder moved to the Italian giants on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2008.

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And he has now spoken about his first encounter with the stars of AC Milan, such as Paolo Maldini.

Flamini also revealed that the Italian legend gave him his phone number immediately after arriving.

He told The Athletic: “Walking into the dressing room was exciting. I was struck by their humility.

“I remember arriving and Paolo was sitting next to me. He gave me his number and said ‘If you need anything, you call me’.

“The humility and kindness of those champions struck me the most.

“To be a football legend and also be so humble, so open, and act with such simplicity taught me a lot. It was a learning experience every day.”

Flamini spent five years at the San Siro and won the Serie A title during the 2010/11 campaign, but playing in Italy was always a dream for him.

He added: “I always wanted to play in Italy.

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“When I had the opportunity to go there, I thought I would grow as a player and as a human being.

“I would go to Italy, where we have roots, so it was a way of discovering myself to go back to my origins.”

The Arsenal cult-hero also suggested that he would be interested in one day buying the North London club.

He said: “We’ll see what the future is made of. I’m a believer.

“If you want something very much, the universe usually brings it to you. Let’s see what the universe will bring.”