Grand achievement for Maldini
Monday, February 18, 2008
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AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini dedicated his 1,000th competitive appearance to his wife and family after the 39-year-old passed another notable career milestone.
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Paolo Maldini made his 1,000th competitive appearance as a professional at the weekend, and although his appearance from the bench was unable to inspire AC Milan to victory against Parma FC, the Rossoneri captain was proud of his achievement.
Family dedication
Maldini, who retires at the end of the season and will turn 40 in June, replaced Marek Jankulovski with 20 minutes remaining at the Tardini Stadium in the 0-0 draw, continuing a career that began on 20 January 1985 and has taken in 861 games for Milan, a record 126 senior Italy caps, 12 at Under-21 level and one with the national Olympic team. "These are numbers which will remain in history – too bad we did not get the three points," the defender said. "However it's OK to have highs and lows. I would like to dedicate this milestone to my family, particularly to my wife who has always supported me and always stood by me."
Fourth-place aim
The result left Milan in fifth place in Serie A, three points behind ACF Fiorentina who defeated Calcio Catania 2-1 on Sunday. "We are certainly in a better situation compared to a month and a half ago," Maldini added. "We are definitely going for that fourth place. I think we can take it if we continue playing like we are doing." That would ensure another UEFA Champions League campaign, albeit their first without Maldini, but he will be in the squad on Wednesday when they visit Arsenal FC in the first knockout round, as he aims to cap his career with a sixth European title to add to his seven Serie A crowns.
Arsenal trip
"Now we have a difficult game against Arsenal," Maldini said. "However we are the defending champions, we might get some players back from injury and the atmosphere in the stadium will undoubtedly be fantastic. We all are looking forward to this game." Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is likely to start with Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze in defence but should Maldini be selected in the starting XI, he would certainly play with the same passion as he did in his debut at Udinese Calcio more than 23 years ago.