[Tennie]

There are rumors floating around the Italian press (including ControCampo) suggesting that Maldini might be asked to be one of the three older players for the Azzurri for the 2008 summer olympics.

(And it's a lovely picture!)

[arivanjj]

Maldini's ambition after 23 years

Paolo Maldini comes full circle with the 23rd anniversary of his Serie A debut, but still has ambitions. “I want my swansong to be the Champions League Final.”

“Nils Liedholm means a lot to be, because he gave me my debut and taught me so much on a professional and human level,” said the Milan legend.

Liedholm was on the bench when he let the precocious young defender on to the field on January 20, 1985 against Udinese.

“As for Carlo Ancelotti, I was his fan when he was playing for Parma alongside my father, then he was my opponent, teammate and eventually my Coach.”

In a bizarre twist of fate, Maldini marks the 23rd anniversary of that day by facing the Friulani again this Sunday, January 20, 2008. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

“Udinese are a team who play good football and have many different options in attack. I noticed they don’t tend to start matches very well, but always have the strength to get back on their feet.

“Antonio Di Natale is one of the best Italian talents out there right now and I think Udinese are a direct competitor for a Champions League spot next season.”

It is an opportunity to look back over his career, but also forward as Maldini won’t hang up his boots until June.

“In the past 23 years football has changed a great deal. Now every game is live on television, the style of the sport is far quicker and more physical. Training regimes are continually developing. This sport still gives me special emotions.

“I have not yet decided what to do at the end of my career. I hope to continue with this club that has given me so much. I’d need more experience and to go around the world to become a director, but I’d prefer to stay in my home town.”

Maldini may be pushing 40, but he still has ambitions for his final six months as a player.

“The greatest memories are certainly the eight Champions League Finals I was able to play. It seemed like a dream to win it in Athens last year, but life is made of dreams and I’d like to reach the Final in Moscow this May. Why not try again this year?”

The full-back spent his entire career with the Rossoneri jersey on his back, so does he regret not attempting another overseas experience?

“I never felt the need because I’ve always had the good fortune to play in my home town where my father was crowned Champion of Europe. If I really had to change, then I would’ve gone to Spain,” explained Paolo.

“In the moments of difficulty I had my family and friends around me in Milan to lean on. For a foreign player who is overseas it must be more complicated to get through the tough times. My advice is not to read the newspapers.”

Perhaps his one regret is retiring from international duty before Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.

“I can’t complain. Some journeys went all the way to their ultimate destination, others did not, such as the my Nazionale career.

“In any case, my experience has been wonderful and full of satisfaction. I had everything with Milan, including a goal in the Champions League Final! What am I still missing? The Final in Moscow.”


Channel4

[Ry4n]

we will get to the Final the last push for IL Capitano

[Zed.D]

Liedholm was on the bench when he let the precocious young defender on to the field on January 20, 1985 against Udinese.


In a bizarre twist of fate, Maldini marks the 23rd anniversary of that day by facing the Friulani again this Sunday, January 20, 2008. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Unbelievable...

[Tennie]

Sometimes during my lunch break, I'll take a look at the 606 message boards on bbc.com. It's sometimes interesting to see what people are talking about there.

I came across THIS article today. Given how critical people frequently are of Italian football and Italian players, this piece came as a very nice surprise.

[Rossoneri7]

Great Tennie !!!


No one can doubt it !

[dst]

Paolo Maldini... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

Sometimes during my lunch break, I'll take a look at the 606 message boards on bbc.com. It's sometimes interesting to see what people are talking about there.

I came across THIS article today. Given how critical people frequently are of Italian football and Italian players, this piece came as a very nice surprise.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) i dont think i've ever herd anyone say anything bad about the guy.

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Jan 31 2008, 12:16 AM

[bigmacmtl]

DP

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Jan 31 2008, 12:16 AM

[Ry4n]

Sometimes during my lunch break, I'll take a look at the 606 message boards on bbc.com. It's sometimes interesting to see what people are talking about there.

I came across THIS article today. Given how critical people frequently are of Italian football and Italian players, this piece came as a very nice surprise.

thnx m8 a great find !

[Bluesummers]

There never will be another Paolo (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[dst]

PAOLO MALDINI PAOLO OLE!!

Don't go God, don't leave us!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

*cries without cease*

[acid911]

Hey, God, how's it going? Acid here. First post. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) Can't believe this is going to be your last season with us. Just can't believe it ...

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

[acid911]

I hate to put this crap in Paolo's thread, but don't you guys think this is a bit harsh on him? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

http://www.uglyfootballers.com/genpage.asp?DocumentID=182

[agenth]

that's really mean
okay the pic is a bit weird, but everybody has those pics (good lord knows how many bad pics I have!)

anyway, paolo's like wine, he just looks better with age (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)