Paolo Maldini - Il nostro Capitano! 40 years old today

[ReMad]

AC Milan veteran Paolo Maldini has revealed he's mulling over whether to join English outfit Newcastle United in the summer after the Magpies made him an offer.

The 39-year-old defender has spent his entire career with the Rossoneri, but having said he would retire at the end of this season appears to be having second thoughts.

Wholesale changes are expected at Milan over the summer, however, with last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Atalanta the final straw, and Maldini has been told he won't be appearing for the club next season no matter who the coach is.

Milan want to move towards more youthful players and it appears Maldini is willing to abandon his status as a one-club man in order to keep playing for another season.

Reports surfaced on Monday that Newcastle United had made the five-time European Cup winner an offer for next season, with boss Kevin Keegan feeling Maldini's experience could help sure up things in the Magpies' defence.

"It's true that Newcastle have been in touch," confirmed Maldini yesterday. "It's certainly an interesting offer and one I won't rule out just yet.

"My only regret in my career is that I've never had the chance to play abroad and this would be a terrific opportunity to play in the Premier League for a massive club," added the defender, who admits to being extremely impressed by Newcastle's run in last season's Intertoto Cup.

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April Fool

[kyan]

Maldini Still Waffling On Retirement Decision

The 39-year-old had previously announced that he would be finally hanging up his boots, following a glittering career spanning almost a quarter-of-a-century.

However last month Maldini dropped a bombshell by revealing that he was having second thoughts, and the defender has again stated today that he is still mulling over the idea. Apparently he is no closer to coming to a decision.

“I think about it (the end of his career) every day when I get up and every time it is a different idea,” he said.

“It doesn’t depend on the results. I experienced lots of successes during my career. I don’t need a new one to leave.”

Goal.com - Italy - Maldini Still Waffling On Retirement Decision

Whatever he says, I think both he and most football fans around the world would rather see him leave on a high than empty-handed. But either way, Milan needs reshaping whether he stays or not.

[Forza_Roma]

Maldini signs contract for another year...

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Legend.

[Forza_Roma]

Seriously....i don't how he's managing to play for so long. Players like this literally are born once every 20 years...if not longer.

Living legend!!!!!

[Beninato]

I dare someone to find me a player who can be one of the best at his position, at 40 years of age.

I would LOVE to see Ronaldinho, Christiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Fabio Cannvaro etc, etc, play at a world class level at 40.

Maldini is the greatest defender of all time.

[Trim]

Maldini is the greatest defender of all time.

I wouldn't say so. He is one of the greatest, though.

[Forza_Roma]

Originally Posted by Beninato

I dare someone to find me a player who can be one of the best at his position, at 40 years of age.

I would LOVE to see Ronaldinho, Christiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Fabio Cannvaro etc, etc, play at a world class level at 40.

Maldini is the greatest defender of all time.

Ronaldinho has already slown down...

Ronaldo...i doubt will still have his speed in his early 30's, same for Torres.

Cannavaro could potentially be in the same boat as Maldini...if he can stay healthy.

But, defenders have a longer life span then forwards...but now, players are playing longer in their careers bc of the fitness workouts and a better healthy lifestyle.

[D-Kin]

Originally Posted by Beninato

Maldini is the greatest defender of all time.

Technically speaking there have been better defenders (although not many in fairness) but I don't think anyone can knock what he's done for Milan and European football in general. No one can repeat what he's achieved, no one.

[Beninato]

Originally Posted by Trim

I wouldn't say so. He is one of the greatest, though.

The only player that rivals him is Franz Beckenbaur but, Franz hasn't done what Maldini has done.

Maldini has won 5 Champions League titles, hes won more titles then Champions League appearances for all but two clubs.

Hes appeared in more Champions League finals(7) than all but two clubs.

Maldini has played 617 games for AC Milan.

Maldini has played longer than Beckenbaur and at a higher level.

I just think its hands down, no one has accomplished what Maldini has done and no one probably ever will.

[D-Kin]

Milan's Maldini turns 40 Thursday 26 June, 2008

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Milan are wishing captain Paolo Maldini a happy birthday as he prepares for his 24th season with the Rossoneri.

The veteran defender had considered hanging his boots up at the end of last season, but he opted to stay on for one more campaign.

Maldini, who turns 40 today, has only ever worn the Rossoneri shirt and is guaranteed to live on in the hearts of Milan fans long after his playing days are over.

“Birthday wishes from the hearts of everyone at the club,” a statement on Milan’s website reads.

“After a 23-year career and 1009 official games in the League, Cup and for his nation, Maldini decided to stay for another season.

“That choice brought such joy to all the fans, who woke up this morning thinking about him on his birthday.”

Maldini has made more Serie A appearances than any other player with 617 outings to his name.

channel4.com - Football Italia

It's strange to think he's been playing for Milan longer than I've been alive.

[D-Kin]

1992-2007: