omgukilledkenny

22 May 09, 23:20

Milan prepares to bid farewell to Maldini

Emotions will be running high at the San Siro on Sunday as AC Milan's fans bid farewell to captain Paolo Maldini after 24 years and 901 games for the club.

Having announced his retirement only to change his mind over the last few seasons, the 40 year-old Maldini is finally hanging up his boots.

The match against AS Roma comes a week before the last game of the season away to Fiorentina and will bring to an end a career in which he has won seven Italian league titles, five Champions Leagues and 126 caps for Italy.

"He is a great player and a great teammate," midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said. "I think the true definition of a player like him is a 'gladiator,' a player who when he wears the captain's armband goes onto the pitch to give everything.

"He is a great player, even when he doesn't play. Personally he has helped me a lot and made me understand many things. It will be a truly emotional end to his career on Sunday."

Poolman

23 May 09, 00:37

To an Italian Legend !!!

Patrik

23 May 09, 00:41

Salute!

-Wanderer-

23 May 09, 01:28

All hail the Legend, El Capitano!

omgukilledkenny

23 May 09, 01:38

Maldini turns down chance of last Italy match

The 40-year-old, who retires at the end of the season, had previously expressed interest in adding to his Italian record of 126 caps having quit the Azzurri in 2002 but told Thursday's Gazzetta dello Sport he would not play the June 6 match.

"No, I won't play a farewell game with the national team but I thank the federation for showing willingness," Maldini said. "I prefer to leave football in an official game."

omgukilledkenny

23 May 09, 01:40

Rare breed of one-club man. Class player indeed.

youyayu

23 May 09, 01:40

great player.

he should take blatter place

Bak la va

23 May 09, 03:45

I will also remember u.........

Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1)

23 May 09, 07:31

Originally posted by omgukilledkenny:

Milan prepares to bid farewell to Maldini

Emotions will be running high at the San Siro on Sunday as AC Milan's fans bid farewell to captain Paolo Maldini after 24 years and 901 games for the club.

Having announced his retirement only to change his mind over the last few seasons, the 40 year-old Maldini is finally hanging up his boots.

The match against AS Roma comes a week before the last game of the season away to Fiorentina and will bring to an end a career in which he has won seven Italian league titles, five Champions Leagues and 126 caps for Italy.

"He is a great player and a great teammate," midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said. "I think the true definition of a player like him is a 'gladiator,' a player who when he wears the captain's armband goes onto the pitch to give everything.

"He is a great player, even when he doesn't play. Personally he has helped me a lot and made me understand many things. It will be a truly emotional end to his career on Sunday."

Bye

U r a good defender salute you

dibilo

23 May 09, 08:30

I still remember last time when playing CM2, he was the defender that I would like to sign.

limpper

23 May 09, 11:40

finally

I-like-flings(m)

23 May 09, 11:42

901... more than giggs sia... power.....

kopiosatu

23 May 09, 11:49

super defender

so old yet he never let ronaldo dribble past him

Master -_-

23 May 09, 11:55

Old Man of the Old Lady

limpper

23 May 09, 19:57

Maldini: Give AC Milan captaincy to Kaka

As he prepares to play his final game for AC Milan, Paolo Maldini has called for Kaka to inherit the club captaincy.

“I am feeling some strong emotions at the moment,” Maldini told the Milan Channel.

“I see this final game as a celebration of the past 25 years and I will have my friends and family around me.

“I hope I have the strength to play well and win as that would be the best way to celebrate with the people who wish me well.

“There is a time when a player must take on more responsibility and I feel that my departure has brought about that time for Kaka. I think he will be here for a long.

“He has aspired to being captain and I think he has the right personality to do it.”

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youyayu

23 May 09, 20:14

kaka is great

Poolman

23 May 09, 23:15

Whoever captain AC Milan ... Maldini will always be the people's Captain , for a long long time .

But i wouldn't be surprised if he be the next AC Milan Mgr after Carlo Ancelotti

trendz

23 May 09, 23:16

i salute this legendary captain: paolo maldini

Kuali Baba

23 May 09, 23:22

Originally posted by Master -_-:

Old Man of the Old Lady

The Old Lady is Juventus...

Maldini deserves all the tributes he is receiving. Now we wait for Christian to step up and inherit the No. 3 jersey.

omgukilledkenny

25 May 09, 02:06

Totti winner ruins Maldini's San Siro farewell

Paolo Maldini's last match for AC Milan at San Siro ended in a 3-2 loss to AS Roma on Sunday, with the 40-year-old defender's side beaten by Francesco Totti's late free kick.

Maldini, who made his Milan debut as a gangly 16-year-old substitute back in 1985, has won a string of trophies including seven Italian league titles and five European Cups with the club.

But there was no happy ending in front of the home fans as his side twice had to equalize before finally being beaten by Totti's free kick in the 85th minute.

John Arne Riise opened the scoring for Roma just before halftime, but Massimo Ambrosini brought Milan level in the 75th.

Jeremy Menez restored Roma's lead five minutes later, Ambrosini drew Milan level again, but Totti stepped up to score the winner.

Ambrosini, who had kept his side in the game, was then sent off two minutes from time for arguing with referee Andrea De Marco.

Milan's last game of the season takes Maldini and his teammates to Fiorentina next weekend.

Milan Ultras Leave Black Mark On Maldini Celebrations

During his final salute to the Milan faithful, the Rossoneri Ultras revealed an undeserved stain of contempt towards their most loyal servant.

After Roma had refused to follow the script by running out 3-2 winners on Maldini’s final day out at the San Siro, came another twist in the party celebrations, as the Curva Sud displayed a banner that was sure to spark controversy.

As the legendary captain did a final lap of honour after the game, the Milan Ultras displayed a large banner directed towards another legendary captain, Franco Baresi. Under a large number 6, the words “there is only one captain” were there for all to see.

At the same time, there were even some whistles from the same section of the stands in a display of unbelievable disrespect for a captain who has given a life of service to the Rossoneri.

Despite the disrespect of the Curva, the remainder of the stadium gave a prolonged standing ovation to Maldini, who was quite obviously moved by their display of affection.

limpper

25 May 09, 14:28

AC Milan fans leave Maldini fuming

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini was stunned by a dramatic snub from fans at the end of their defeat to Roma.

The game marked Maldini's last at the San Siro and as he did a lap of honour a section of supporters held up banners and chanted the name of Franco Baresi, who wore the armband before Maldini took over in 1997.

“There is only one captain,” said these supporters. The reaction clearly irritated Maldini, who left the field without giving interviews.

As he left the arena he only made one comment to the media referring to these protestors.

“I am proud not to be one of them.”

limpper

25 May 09, 14:28

Spalletti admits Roma players shocked by Maldini treatment

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admits they're all shocked by AC Milan fans' snub to Paolo Maldini at the end of yesterday's win.

Spalletti said: “I was told by my players what happened, as they were shocked by this behaviour. If it's true then these are people who come to the stadium only to offend, fight and smash all that is beautiful about this sport.

“They should frankly do us all a favour and stay home. If you insult Maldini, then you really have crossed the line.”

Poolman

25 May 09, 15:54

Originally posted by limpper:

AC Milan fans leave Maldini fuming

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini was stunned by a dramatic snub from fans at the end of their defeat to Roma.

The game marked Maldini's last at the San Siro and as he did a lap of honour a section of supporters held up banners and chanted the name of Franco Baresi, who wore the armband before Maldini took over in 1997.

“There is only one captain,” said these supporters. The reaction clearly irritated Maldini, who left the field without giving interviews.

As he left the arena he only made one comment to the media referring to these protestors.

“I am proud not to be one of them.”

ok , Franco Baresi was also a Legendary Captain , but ... i don't think he won as many cups as Maldini .

Poolman

25 May 09, 15:55

Originally posted by limpper:

Spalletti admits Roma players shocked by Maldini treatment

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admits they're all shocked by AC Milan fans' snub to Paolo Maldini at the end of yesterday's win.

Spalletti said: “I was told by my players what happened, as they were shocked by this behaviour. If it's true then these are people who come to the stadium only to offend, fight and smash all that is beautiful about this sport.

“They should frankly do us all a favour and stay home. If you insult Maldini, then you really have crossed the line.”

“They should frankly do us all a favour and stay home. If you insult Maldini, then you really have crossed the line.”