Maldini to retire 'without regrets'
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Article summary
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season aged 39, ending one of Europe's most celebrated careers.
Article body
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 of recent times.
World triumph
The 39-year-old defender revealed his decision following Milan's 4-2 triumph against CA Boca Juniors in the FIFA Club World Cup final 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 achieved. 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 in. Even if I feel pain in my knee, 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."
