AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli admits he almost missed out on his original move to the Rossonero.

Pioli has extended his contract to 2025 yesterday.

Abd he recalled: "What did I feel when (Paolo) Maldini called me? A lot of emotion ... I was negotiating with two other Italian teams, I was having difficulty choosing because they were two teams of the same level, with the same ambitions.

"Paolo called to meet me and I immediately came to Milan. He is a serious person, with Milan in his DNA. When he speaks he always says things that are relevant, intelligent and useful for our work.

"It took him little to convince me. We know each other better and better with him and (Ricky) Massara, we talk a lot about the team, about how to play, about the players, it is always a respectful comparison even in different opinions. When everyone makes their skills available to everyone for the good of the group, it is always good."