Maldini decides not to quit at end of season

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has revealed he will retire at the end of the season.
The iconic defender, 39, made the announcement after Milan's 4-2 victory against Boca Juniors in the Fifa Club World Cup final in Japan on Sunday.

"Today I truly feel satisfied with what I have achieved," said the former Italy star, who earlier this year won his fifth Champions League title.

"In June I will absolutely retire without any regrets."

Since making his league debut in 1985, Maldini has enjoyed a host of honours with Milan, including two Intercontinental Cups (the forerunner of the Club World Cup), four European SuperCups and seven Serie A titles.

He has been feted as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game.

But lifting the Club World Cup trophy proved to be the icing on the cake for the veteran star, who also played a record 126 games for Italy between 1988 and 2002.

"It's great to have won this trophy because it's difficult to be playing at 39 in a great club like AC Milan," he added.

"Milan has allowed me always the possibility to play for important trophies.

"I have had everything in my football career but I have pain and I struggle. I still have a lot of fun but the pain is beginning to take over."

The only success missing in Maldini's career is an international honour with Italy.

He was on the losing side in the 1994 World Cup final when Brazil won on penalties, and in Euro 2000, when France took the trophy with a 2-1 victory in extra-time.


A true true great of the game.
I have highlighted his achievements in the above statement.
Other amazing stats from him -
He's in his 24th season at AC Milan
and he has played in 8 European Cup Finals.

I hope his last game is played in Moscow against up, shame really because he'll be on the losing side.

(oh, his last trophy, the Fifa Club World Cup final was against Boca, a certain Mr Paletta was in the defence for Boca)

39? Bloody Hell, didnt realise he was that old, and still playing.  What an achievement  - '5th CL Title' at 39 and his 24th season at AC Milan.

Wonder if he'll go into coaching ?  His dad did that didnt he ?

Truly one of footballs greats, pity he'll retire losing to the Reds 

Just been reading up on him.
AC Milan retired the number 6 shirt after Franco Baresi retired from them.
But Maldini's number 3 shirt will remain, but with the following clause :-

"The shirt has not been fully retired. Maldini has given consent for his sons to adopt the number 3 shirt if either of them play professionally for the club."

Top Man !!

Just been reading up on him.
AC Milan retired the number 6 shirt after Franco Baresi retired from them.
But Maldini's number 3 shirt will remain, but with the following clause :-

"The shirt has not been fully retired. Maldini has given consent for his sons to adopt the number 3 shirt if either of them play professionally for the club."

Top Man !!

And I'm sure they will, it will be in their blood to play like their dad   

One of footballs greats and in my top five of all time. He is the best defender I have seen in my lifetime and an excellent professional.

Like you I hope he retires losing to us in the final!!

Remember the kids face.
Oh Rafa, sign the little one up quick - honestly, he's one for the future.

And his Dad, oh I think he could be a good adittion to the coaching staff.


Bad news I'm afraid.
 
 Maldini The III Joins Milan

MILAN - There was a ceremony at Rossoneri headquarters in Via Turati. Adriano Galliani, Christian Maldini and his mother, Adriana Fossa, signed the forms to allow Paolo's son to join AC Milan. Grandfather Cesare and grandmother Dianora Blanco were also present.

Christian was born on June 14, 1996 and will join one of the club's youth sides for players born in 1996, coached by Angelo Colombo who heads up the youth system. Christian's debut will be on Saturday against Inter as the youngster looks to follow in his father's footsteps.
He's Milan third generation Maldini after Cesare and Paolo.

and here's his contract form.

A pure example to footballers across the globe. Always been a fan of him and his dedication to football. To be honest, it's about time he hung up his boots. Getting a bit sick of him. 

Well done and good luck for the future Maldini. Class.

Legend, true professional. Always remember Sundays on Channel 4, come back from my local club's league game, straight to my gran's house for a big roast dinner and Football Italia.

"Golazzo!" 

Legend, true professional. Always remember Sundays on Channel 4, come back from my local club's league game, straight to my gran's house for a big roast dinner and Football Italia.

"Golazzo!" 

Those were the days weren't they?

Maldini's out of this world! A true legend and you don't have to look much further than him for one of the defending greats of all time!

Good luck to him! Just hope we play AC Milan again this year to sign him off properly! He can have another European Cup runners up medal to go with 2005's!

Top pro and a loyal servant to his club,if only others who kiss the badge one minute and are gone the next with pounds signing in there eyes could follow his example.

I was about to start a new topic when I found this one! Respect due to one of the greatest defenders in the history of football, and a loyal servant to his club. And he's still not done, article from SkySports:

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_3658856,00.html

Maldini opts to play on
Veteran defender signs new Milan deal

Evergreen defender Paolo Maldini has signed a one-year contract extension with Milan.

Maldini, who will turn 40 later this month, revealed plans last season to retire in the summer.

However, club bosses and Milan team-mates were keen for Maldini to continue and the club have now confirmed he will be staying on for a 24th consecutive year.

"AC Milan communicate that captain Paolo Maldini's contract has been extended until June 30 2009," read a statement on the club's official website.

The Italian media recently reported that Maldini was again thinking of quitting because of differences with Milan over his contract renewal, but it is understood that his new deal is worth around €1.5million (£1.2million).

Maldini has been a champion of Europe five times with Milan as well as winning seven Serie A titles.

He's incredibly fit, can't imagine how hard it must be playing for a top flight club at 40... Amazing, what a professional and what a legend. Good on him staying for another year, although any reserve defenders must be getting annoyed with him now.

1985 -present Holy sh*t what an echeivment fair play to the guy.
Hope stevie does the same
YNWA

Sami's got years left him yet then   

Wonderful Professional Maldini is, I have tremendous admiration for him.

Carra got a few years left in him to.

He loves Milan so much!

When your at a club for that long you must love them! Amazing effort. Now we can send him out on the right note by winning number 6 against Milan in a 2005 repeat.

When your at a club for that long you must love them! Amazing effort. Now we can send him out on the right note by winning number 6 against Milan in a 2005 repeat.

Doubt it mate.
Milan have not qualified for the Champions League next season.

Wow i think thats 3 years in a row he's cancelled his retirment plans fair play i suppose

Doubt it mate.
Milan have not qualified for the Champions League next season.

Feck me your right. Ah well.

Feck me your right. Ah well.

Shame for him really, but then again, with his attitude and fitness, he'll be back again for the 2009 / 10 season.