“He’s a real Rossonero, his soul belongs to Milan.” –
These are the beautiful words of Cesare Maldini about her son, but believe us, this is not patronage.
Maldini Snr could in fact under-sell Paolo, a true icon of the game, a club and his nation.
The versatile colossus had no charm, his entire career was at the highest level – from his debut at 16 in 1985 to his last season, at 41 in 2008/09.
His glorious fate as Il Capitano at the San Siro spanned three amazing decades – and almost started a fourth – and if you believe the stories of teammates, coaches and his worshiping fans, there is barely a moment that its standards fell below the elite.
It could have been different too; It is not easy to be the son of a footballer.
And he wasn’t just that, he was the son of the club legend.
Cesare is etched in history and with Milan too, because it led them to their first European Cup victory in 1963; they were the first Italian team to win and therefore he was the first Italian to win the trophy as captain.
He also won four league titles with the club and, in the early 1960s, was considered one of the best defenders in world football.
Having such a father could have been too much pressure for Paolo, but it was water on the back of a duck.
He was someone who was mature beyond his years; many teammates at the time knew almost immediately that he would be a huge star for the club.
Tackle precision, perfect positioning, he was a scholarly defender – whether in the rear left or in the rear center.
Meanwhile, he was blessed with composure and skill with the ball at his feet, ready to display his cunning and composure as he descended the left flank, creating many chances for these attacking teammates.
When people talk about complete footballers, it’s Maldini who can easily be considered the patron saint of these versatile superstars.
As a child, he had a poster of Juventus legend Roberto Bettega on his wall, a feeling of scoring in Serie A but also a versatile and dominant presence in Turin, while enjoying playing in goals in his youth.
If having Bettega on his wall could lessen the opinion of those who know him as a Rossoneri loyalist, they will find great joy in the fact that he refused to have a trial with his rivals Internazionale and begged his father for one with Milan.
It is not surprising that when the club asked him for his position at the trial, he simply stated that he did not have one. They would place it on the right wing and it was signed the first day.
After climbing the ladder, some of Milan’s biggest stars were obviously intrigued as to whether his name had reached him so far, but quickly all the fears were dispelled.
“He was very young, so I tried to give him some advice. But he needed very little; he was already a great player, “said Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in the world ever seen.
An athlete and footballer, he quickly became a key figure at the San Siro and soon he would have grabbed the silverware, winning the first of seven Scudettos in 1988 – before his 20th birthday.
The following year, he would win the European Cup while Milan would rule out Steaua Bucharest 4-0 in the final at Camp Nou.
Overall, he would win the competition five times in his career and was a finalist three times.
His international career would not have the same level of success as the trophies escaped Maldini and a talented group of Azzurri stars between 1988 and 2002.
When he retired from his national duties after the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he did so as the man with the most caps for Italy, although his record of 126 has since been overthrown by Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon.
From an individual point of view, Maldini’s keen sense has always been well regarded; he was third in the Ballon d’Or twice – in 1994 and 2003, while he came second in the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995.
During this time, he became several best XI in different international and national competitions.
But what do those who have played or succeeded with and against Maldini say about its exceptional quality? talkSPORT.com take a look…
Ronaldo
He played against him and trained with him, so R9 is well placed to know his talents.
“The most difficult defender I have met in my career? Paolo Maldini would be the hardest of all time.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
Of course, every manager worthy of the name would want Maldini. Only a few clubs were able to get it, like Manchester United.
The Italian would have been an excellent replacement for Denis Irwin and it seems that the Red Devils tried to make him land.
Ferguson said, “Well, I tried. But when I met his father, he was pretty great. I shook my head. It is all I have.
“He said” my grandfather was Milan, the father of Milan, I am Milan and my son is Milan. Forget it’.”
And if Fergie’s love for Maldini was not obvious, that pretty much illuminates how much he thought of him.
“When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-notch and, although he has never taken my breath away, Kaka impressed, Zinedine Zidane was brilliant but without a doubt, Paolo Maldini was my favorite – he has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism and although he is not the greatest technically in the world, he influenced all the teams of AC Milan during his wonderfully successful era. “
Franco Baresi
One man who knew him incredibly well was his teammate and another legendary defender from AC Milan.
The two were amazing together and it is clear that Baresi loved their time together on the pitch.
“We have been teammates for 15 years. We read everyone’s brain; moved as if we were one person. He could play in all defensive roles – extraordinary. Playing with him was a pleasure and an honor. “
He also said, “This is the difference between normal players and world class players. Paolo Maldini managed to win the Champions League at almost 39 years of age because he is an incredible athlete and an exemplary professional. “
Ronald Koeman
Now a manager, the Dutchman was once a key star for Barcelona in the early 1990s.
He played AC Milan in the Champions League 4-0 final victory over the Italian team in 1994 and had nothing but praise for his opponent Maldini.
“There has never been a better left-back in the history of the game. Two feet, and at its peak, brilliant in the future.
“The night Milan knocked out Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League final, he played in the middle of the field, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta both suspended, and seemed to have played there all his life . “
Ronaldinho
You think one of the most skillful players would ever hate someone like Maldini, who systematically stopped the attacks. Not a chance – Brazil was in love with his teammate.
“He was one of the best defenders in the history of the Champions League, but what was so impressive about him was that when he was on the ball, he didn’t look like a defender, but to an elegant midfielder. “
Tony Adams
Even other legendary defenders love Maldini and also admire his personal life.
“An incredible player, technically excellent and with a beautiful woman! I think he learned a lot from Franco Baresi.
“I love the Italian defenders and the zonal defense system, and Paolo was very good at it. When I was at Arsenal with George Graham in charge, we watched hours and hours of Maldini tapes. “
Marcel Desailly
“A real monster. I find it incredible that he was never the world or European footballer of the year. Along with Franco Baresi, he was the best defender I have ever seen in my career.
“Although everyone tends to think of him as a side back, he could also play the role of a stopper. Most people remember this great Milan team of the late 80s for their attacking play and for the pair before Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, but it was a team built on a very solid defense, and Maldini was the corner stone.
Ray Wilkins
Legend on and off the pitch, Wilkins had a spell with AC Milan and revealed how versatile Maldini is.
“Just an incredible athlete. If he wanted to play with the center forward, he could. He literally had everything. “
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It is not often that the Swede talks about someone other than himself and it is better to listen when he reveals his thoughts about others.
“Maldini was the best and toughest defender I have ever faced. He had everything: he was a complete, strong, intelligent defender and an excellent scorer. “
Alessandro Del Piero
“There are great players and there are world class players. Then there are those who manage to go beyond this term. Paolo is the perfect example. It is the symbol of Milan. ”
Ruud gullit
The Dutchman won three Serie A titles and two European Cups alongside Maldini, so it’s not surprising to see him congratulated.
“Position for position one of the greatest players of all time. But unlike some other great side backs, he was not world class when he was just defending or just attacking – he could do both better than most of the others and he is also an excellent central defender. “
Andriy Shevchenko
Later in Maldini’s career, he would have the goal of the Ukrainian striker as a teammate and he is only one of many who appreciated his qualities.
“The most gifted and hardworking player I have ever seen. He was an excellent, versatile footballer with true leadership virtues and the rare ability to be reliable in defense and creative in attack.”
Philippe Mexès
Another former AC Milan teammate was shocked that he had never won a major individual award.
“He is the image of football in Italy and in the world. He never won the Golden Ball, but I would give him a hundred. “
Teddy sheringham
And an ace from England praised his overall ability.
“It definitely lives up to its reputation. He’s good for the future, but above all a great defender. I never saw him torn by a wingman. “