December 17, 200718 yr This thread is dedicate to Paolo Maldini Maldini to draw career to a close AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season, ending one of the most decorated careers in recent times. World triumph The 39-year-old defender revealed his decision following Milan's 4-2 triumph against CA Boca Juniors to lift the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. Following the game, which resulted in his 26th honour with Milan, he said: "This victory is so great because it's really hard to play with a great team like Milan when you are 39 years old like me. No regrets "This club have always given me the possibility to play for important trophies and today I feel very satisfied with what I have done. I can quit playing without any regrets or sorrow. I have had all the things I could ask for in my career," added Italy's most capped international, with 126 appearances to his name prior to his last outing in 2002. Glittering career Maldini has lifted the European Champion Clubs' Cup five times – during a career that began with his debut in 1985 – the most recent of which being last May's 2-1 win against Liverpool FC in Athens. Now in his 23rd campaign, he has appeared a record 604 times in Serie A, scoring 28 goals and winning the Italian title on seven occasions. He also won five UEFA Super Cups, one Italian Cup, four Italian Super Cups and three world club titles. Milan will retire Maldini's No3 shirt at the end of this season but it could be seen again if one of his sons makes the senior side, something that is a possibility with his eldest, Christian, part of the Rossoneri's youth squad. Ancelotti praise "I'm proud of being part of a club that always win something important," Maldini continued. "I'll quit playing next June but until that moment I will enjoy every match I play even if I feel pain in my knee, but I won't postpone my retirement." Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti added: "Maldini has shown what a great champion he is today. He is 39 and has returned to play on the left flank without problems. This shows his personality. Players like him give confidence to the whole team." ©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved. <DIV id=secondaryContent>
Create an account or sign in to comment