Italian football has never lacked loyal stars, such as Roman Prince Totti, who gave the best of 25 years to the city of Rome. Although the war god Batistuta left Florence for the championship later, he also gave his most precious time to this city of art.
As the second largest city in Italy, there is a player here. His father played for A.C. Milan for 12 years from the 1950s to the 1960s. In the 1980s, his son followed in his father’s footsteps, took over his mantle, and dedicated his 25 years of best youth to this city. He has also become the symbol of Milan, the prince of Milan – Paolo Maldini.
one. Inherit one’s father’s business from another
As one of the best left backs in world football, Paolo Maldini was born in the Italian city of Milan on June 26, 1968. When Maldini was young, his father Maldini used to play in A.C. Milan.
Under the influence of his father, Maldini was sent to A.C. Milan by his father to receive regular football youth training when he was 9 years old. With different football talents, Maldini jumped two levels in the Shonentai and youth team.
On January 21, 1985, when A.C. Milan played Udinese away from home, 16-year-old Maldini came on as a substitute in the 46th minute of the game, completing the first appearance of A.C. Milan’s first team. At that time, Serie A was in its heyday, and it was almost rare for players as young as teenagers to play in prestigious clubs.
Of course, Maldini is much luckier than other peers. His father, Chezare Maldini, one of the legends of A.C. Milan, was able to impart valuable professional experience to Maldini. Coupled with his exceptional talent and continuous efforts, Maldini quickly became a shining star rising in the world of football.
two. Brilliant Start
Maldini’s first Serie A championship did not keep him waiting too long. In the 1987-1988 season, Maldini, who had been in the first team for four years, has become the defensive core of A.C. Milan. In that season, he scored two goals in 26 appearances to help the team win the Serie A championship, which was his first Serie A championship in his personal career.
Maldini is not satisfied with a Serie A champion. He is eager to help A.C. Milan reach the top of Europe. One year later, his dream came true. In the 1988-1989 Champions League, A.C. Milan will reach the final all the way through.
A.C. Milan won the third Champions League championship in the history of the team by virtue of the powerful Dutch three swordsmen and the indestructible back line 4-1 against the Romanian giants Bucharest in the home camp of Barcelona. Maldini realized his dream and helped A.C. Milan to reach the top of Europe.
One year later, in 1990, A.C. Milan opened the Red and Black Dynasty in the 1990s. A.C. Milan, which had three Dutch swordsmen on the offensive, made other teams intimidated. In addition, the steel defense line led by Maldini, the combination of the strongest spear and the strongest shield, made A.C. Milan become very popular and a generation of the strongest team was born.
From 1989 to 1990, although Maldini did not help the team win the Serie A championship, they successfully defended their title by defeating Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League final. Maldini won the Champions League twice in two years.
From 1991 to 1994, Maldini won the Serie A championship with the team for three consecutive seasons. At the same time, A.C. Milan beat Barcelona 4-0 in the 1994 Champions League final. Maldini helped the Rossoneri win the Champions League again.
three. Legendary Captain
Baresi retired four years later. Although A.C. Milan ushered in a short period of low ebb, Maldini, who took over the captain’s armband, led A.C. Milan to rise again in the new season. In 1999, the Rossoneri won the Serie A championship after two years. From the moment when Maldini first played as captain, the captain’s armband followed him for 11 years.
In the 2003 UEFA Champions League final, Maldini and his teammates defeated Juventus in a penalty shootout. As the captain, Maldini personally won the Champions League trophy, replicating his father’s glory 40 years ago.
In 2005, A.C. Milan once again entered the final of the Champions League. They played against the English Premier League giants Liverpool. Maldini and his teammates led by three goals in the first half. They thought they could directly lock the championship, but in the second half, they were levelled by Liverpool and dragged into overtime. Finally, A.C. Milan completed the big reversal. AC Milan regretted missing the Champions League championship
Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps it was a coincidence. Two years later, A.C. Milan once again met Liverpool in the Champions League final. They defeated Liverpool 2-1 to complete their revenge. Maldini once again helped A.C. Milan win the seventh Champions League championship in the history of the team as captain, and also the fifth Champions League championship of his own.
In 2009, the legendary Milan star Paolo Maldini announced his retirement. From 1984 to 2009, his 25 year career in the Red and Black clubs had both glory and regret. With 7 Serie A champions and 5 Champions League champions, Maldini has left an indelible mark on the history of the Rossoneri.
four. Life red and black
25 years, this is the time Maldini played for A.C. Milan. He only played for this team in his life. The defense led by Maldini not only achieved the great achievements of the Rossoneri, but also gave fans a sense of security. I still remember your youthful appearance at the age of 16, and I won’t forget your legendary figure at the age of 41.
Maldini fused the color of red and black with his own blood, showcasing to the world what loyalty is, what a color for life, and what a city for life!