Paulo Maldini Retires

[Tony Le Mesmer]

Worth a thread of its own.

24 years at Milan, played his 1041st and last game for them on Sunday aged 40.

7 League Titles
5 UEFA Champions League
2 European/South American Cups
5 UEFA Supercups
1 Italian Cup
5 League Supercups
1 FIFA Club World Cup

One of the best and most succesful fotballers of all time.

[11.30 from paddington]

That's one impressive medals haul!

I almost forgot he played in the great Milan team of Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, Baresi et al.

The best left back in the world ever, in my opinion.

[Big Foot]

Maldini upset with AC Milan
28.5 || webmaster

Source: Football Italia

Paolo Maldini, the legendary defender, is upset Milan decided not to condemn protests made against him at San Siro on Sunday.

The 40-year-old was making one final appearance in front of his home fans before retiring at the end of this season.

Instead of receiving a hero's send off, Maldini was greeted with a banner that read: “Thanks captain. On the pitch you were an undying champion but you had no respect for those who made you rich.”

A banner commemorating Franco Baresi was also unveiled, indicating the fans' belief that he and not Maldini is the club's favourite ever captain.

“I really don't know [why they ruined the party],” Maldini told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I have always been straight, following my ideals, respecting everybody.

“I have not frequented the areas where the fans go, but not because I'm a snob, for I always have to show something because of the surname I carry.

“I only wanted to be judged for what I did on the pitch. There are some who can see this as a form of respect towards the fans and the club.

“There are also others who can interpret this attitude as a discourtesy,” Maldini explained.

When asked to explain what has disappointed him the most, Maldini replied: “The club's silence. I didn't like the fact they chose not to take a position.

“There hasn't even been a comment. From the President down, not one director said a word. I may be an idealist, but I believe that a club like Milan should dissociate itself from certain events.”

Maldini himself responded very quickly to the protesters, telling the Italian Press: “I am proud not to be one of them.”

“It was an instinctive reaction, and so perhaps a mistake,” he said. “I was an injured man. I didn't have the possibility to think it through.

“It was a response to an action that had been premeditated for days, months and perhaps years. I am a man with feelings and weaknesses,” he concluded.

Maldini will call time on his career this weekend, having won 26 majors trophies in a career spanning a quarter of a century.

[Harry Carry]

Tipped to be defensive coach at Chelsea.

[cmonurz]

Quite simply the best full-back to have played the game in my lifetime, and that he did so at that level right to the end of his career is just exceptional. A phenomenal player the likes of whom don't exist in today's game. It could be another generation before we find another Maldini.

[rabidbee]

Add to the above haul his 126 caps, making him Italy's most capped player, and his two international runners-up medals.

[Harry Carry]

Tipped to be defensive coach at Chelsea.

First with the news again.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 098673.stm

[Deathy]

That's one impressive medals haul!

I almost forgot he played in the great Milan team of Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, Baresi et al.

The best left back in the world ever, in my opinion.

'greed.

[soggy biscuit]

Tipped to be defensive coach at Chelsea.

First with the news again.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 098673.stm

I don't get where this story has come from, Maldini said a couple of months back that he would become Milan's head of youth development this summer.

[Deathy]

Tipped to be defensive coach at Chelsea.

First with the news again.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 098673.stm

I don't get where this story has come from, Maldini said a couple of months back that he would become Milan's head of youth development this summer.

Born from his relationship with Anchillotti (sp?). Easy paper filling. But could be something in it. Any club in their right mind would want his coaching.