Manic Monday at Milan: Instead of signing Loftus-Cheek, Maldini signs his own demission

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was already on his way to northern Italy on Monday, where he was supposed to have a late meeting with AC Milan's technical director and the club's legend Paolo Maldini.

But as Loftus-Cheek's plane was heading to Milan, the shocking news broke out - AC Milan's American owner Gerry Cardinale decided to sack both Maldini and his assistant Daniel Massara.

The morning encounter the three of them had was meant to set out the strategy for next season, but multiple sources claim it became a tense meeting, and went very badly, particularly between Maldini and RedBird chief Cardinale.

This means a total transformation of the structure at the top of the club, where Maldini and Massara had been in charge of transfers and negotiating contracts.

That sort of outcome triggered reactions from several crucial Rossoneri stars that took to social media to express their disappointment because of Maldini's exit.

Leao signs on until 2028 and gets a massive raise

Rafael Leao seemed to confirm reports that the Milan squad is both shocked and furious.

Leao, who sat between Maldini and Massara just days ago to sign his contract extension, seemed to confirm with a tweet that consists entirely of a thinking emoji.

Others said to be stunned are Sandro Tonali and Theo Hernandez, who recognise Maldini has a role in representing the club's history. Moreover, the way this story unfolds could also lead to Mike Maignan's exit and move to Chelsea.

What a revolution, what a disaster!