“Italian defender turned 57”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
The Italian football path began from an early age: Paolo dreamed of going to his father and becoming a Milan player. The Maldini’s debut match for Rossone was held on January 20, 1985 against Udinez. At that time, the Italian defender was 16 years and 208 days – he became the youngest player of Milan, who played in the series A.
From the very beginning, Paolo demonstrated a quality game, so next season he became the main left defender of the team. The first goal in the T-shirt of the Milan Club, 18-year-old Maldini scored on January 4, 1987 at the goal “Como”. In the 1987/88 season, Milan with the help of Paolo won Skudetto, and next year – the Champions Cup.
A new stage in Rossone’s history and Maldini’s career began with the arrival of coach Fabio Capello, who previously worked with Paolo in the youth team. With the new mentor, the team entered a new era of victories and trophies.
With each passing season, the Italian defender became more ill and gained stability, and in late 1994, Paaolo took third place in the ranking on the Golden Ball.
Due to the injuries of the main central defenders of the Maldini team, it was used in the Defense Center, where it also demonstrated a quality game.
Since 1996, a difficult period has begun for “Rossone”: a series of failed seasons, departure of veterans and rejuvenation of composition. After completing his career, Franco Aillesi became Paolo became a new team captain. In the 1998/99 season, Maldini won his first trophy as a captain – the Italian Championship.
The arrival of coach Carlo Acholotti, with the help of which the Italian club won the Skudetto and the Champions League trophy, became a turning point for Milan and the Italian.
On September 25, 2005, Maldini broke the Dzoff record for the number of duels played in Series A – 570.
The 2008/09 season became the final in a 40-year-old defender’s game career. Maldini spent his farewell match on May 31, 2009 against Fiorentina. As a sign of respect, Milan fixed the 3rd room behind him and removed him from circulation with the condition that his descendants would be able to wear this room in the future.
As a part of “Rossone” Maldini spent 901 matches, scored 33 goals and gave 43 assistants. Together with the club he won 26 trophies:
- Champions League (5)
- UEFA SUPER CLOOK (5)
- Italy Championship (7)
- Italy Cup
- Italy’s Super Cup (5)
- Club World Cup
- Intercontinental Cup (2)
He played 126 matches for Italy in the international stage, scored 7 goals and gave 5 productive programs.
On August 5, 2018, Maldini returned to Milan to a management position, and in the summer of 2019 he became a technical director of the club. In June 2023, Paolo was released due to conflict with management.
