Maignan: Allegri a ‘top coach’, being Milan captain is ‘source of great pride’ | OneFootball

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is ‘proud’ to be the Rossoneri’s captain and admits he started the 2025-26 season under ‘top coach’ Massimiliano Allegri with a ‘great desire for revenge.’

France international Maignan extended his expiring contract with Milan in January, signing a new deal until 2031.

Maignan was given the captain’s armband at the beginning of the season.

“Being the team’s captain is a responsibility, and I’m proud to be as such,” the goalkeeper told DAZ via Calciomercato.com.

“You don’t have to play a part; you only have to be yourself and set the example, without misusing the armband or the status.

“They gave me the armband because I am who I am. In the past, I told coaches in the youth sector that I didn’t need it because I felt like a captain even without it. Today, it’s a source of great pride for me.”

Milan did not qualify for any European competition in 2024-25.

Paulo Fonseca was sacked at the end of 2024 and replaced by his compatriot Sergio Conceiçao. Even if the Rossoneri won the Supercoppa last season, they were also eliminated from the Champions League knockout play-off and lost the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna.

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With Allegri at the helm since last summer, the Rossoneri have collected consistent results, losing just twice in Serie A this season. They are currently second in the standings, seven points behind leaders Inter, after last week’s derby win.

“Allegri is a top coach for how he manages the dressing room and his attitude on the pitch,” Maignan continued.

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I came [into the new season] with a great desire for revenge; it was my thought at the start, and it still is today. Milan is where I’ve shown myself to the world. I had to come here to understand what it means to wear this shirt. When you play, you feel how big this club is, and I’ll forever be a Milanista