[Zed.D]

BEING PAOLO MALDINI

6/10/2009 3:36:00 PM

I am and will always remain a Milan fan. For the time being my future will be the management of my family. THE DECLARATIONS OF PAOLO MALDINI DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

(IMG:http://media2.acmilan.com/200905/14155_news.jpg)

Hereunder the declarations of Paolo Maldini during the press conference which was held today at San Siro.

MILAN – “The last match in Florence was nice to reach the third place and from a personal level, what happened at the Franchi was an honour to have received the affection from the fans and from my team-mates.

“I am and will always remain a Rossonero fan, sincerely this is an huge chance. Kaka is the first player of a certain level to be sold, in the past such an idea was never taken into consideration. He’s one of the five best players in the world, just like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. This decision was taken badly by my team-mates and the fans.

“Looking at the accounts is logical, but it’s also logical to fix reachable objectives, thinking of winning the Champions League without Kaka is a utopian objective. There is an important change, but I have the hope that this team remains always at the top. The difficulties of the transfer market are in choosing the players who allow you to make the quality jump, the purchasing power of Italian football changed, and the teams who have the strong players are holding on to them. As a player, when Baresi quit, I felt almost lost, I was missing a morale and physical support, I was seeing a black future, but then the club worked well and everything started again. We had many farewells and this team always started again greatly with bigger objectives. Milan’s story goes on. The investments of the Italian teams are not the same as the English or Spanish ones, we have teams who play well at football and to survive they must look at the balance and less at the game. Milan had success because to win n Europe you don’t need to be physically strong, but you must impose the game.

“Ronaldinho will have many responsibilities for next season, last year he was not the real leader and this responsibility can do him well. I don’t know the market strategies of Milan. Our team with two or three retouches could have been great, losing Kaka we must aim on other players and we must see what team will be set for July 6 at Milanello and put in the hands of Leonardo. Even he will have to test himself, it’s a bet and Milan won them in the past, the hope is that even this time it can reach a good result.

“I believe the enthusiasm is fundamental to arrive to certain results, I don’t think that the Milan transfer market is over, it has just started. Pirlo? I think it’s too early to consider him a player of a certain age since he’s only 30 years old, I don’t know the details and I don’t know the club’s thought, I think that before leaving Milan he will think about it not 10 times, but at least 100 times. I don’t think that there is a soap opera like with Kaka for Pato, he’s 19-years-old, has an extraordinary talent and so Pato must remain here.

“It’s important to have a Youth Sector with a club’s line to pull out important players. There will be Filippo Galli who I consider a capable person. We started late but the results will be seen in three or five years.

“I don’t know who will be the Milan captain, the idea could have been that it was Ambrosini due to the rules we have always given ourselves, but the choice could also be taken by the coach. Everything will depend from the management of Leonardo, I don’t see it as a big problem.

“Berlusconi said some things which I agree with regards to what happened on Sunday during Milan-Roma. The club is not identifiable in just one person, Milan are the fans, the players and the directors. Berlusconi’s words put me at ease. He said things I would have liked to hear after the Roma game. With regards to the response announcement of Galliani, maybe he took it personally, but I didn’t want to put it personally. Guardiola’s gesture after the final in Rome was very nice: him winning the Champions League and a minute later he thinks about me…no I will not go to Barcelona, even though the thing pleased me a lot. The dedication arrived even though I only spoke to Guardiola two or three times as an opponent because some game, I'm not his friend, therefore it was all dictated by the sentiment and the heart. Barcelona arrived in Italy on Monday, they saw what happened the previous Sunday at San Siro and there were shocked. Milan-Roma and the banners? I felt bad at first, but going back home, after 200 people came to celebrate me, what remained mostly in my head was the full stadium with all those scarves exposed to the sky for me. It was a confirmation of the fact that what I had I deserve it on the pitch and I never asked for anything to anyone, despite having an important surname. What has been said about my name when I was a small kid hurt me, but it helped me to grow. I don’t think that Berlusconi has any intention to sell, I think that he will continue. In the past there have been moments of refounding with many players who stop, there have been minor objectives before always returning to great targets.

“My future? It’s the management of my family life, I did not make any commitments with anyone, I received some offers from my historical sponsors. From Milan nothing, but there’s time, it doesn’t mean that a great player can be a great director, but I know this environment well. I wouldn’t like to put just my face, the youth sector was offered to me, but it's not my aspiration and I think that they must be people who have a certain experience and I don't have.

“I’m serene and happy to have fulfilled myself in the profession I love and as a person. I’m prudent on the future, even though there’s a small question mark right now. I never thought about changing shirt during my career due to my faithfulness to these colours, and this for a young player like Santon could be a very nice story. The players at times are forced to leave. I think that I will realize this when the teams will be during their training camp in mid-July. If I had listened to my children, I should have gone forward for five or six more years. They were very attached to Ricky for his technical qualities and he has a strange effect on the children. Even they will not have any difficulty to remain always Milanisti.

“It was a very beautiful last year. I played a sport I love in a wonderful environment, nothing could scratch and touch what I did in the past, a year without winning cannot damage my career. The best moment of my career is not only one, but two or three at the fullest of my capacity. I remember the first and second year of Capello, the year with Zaccheroni, even with Ancelotti in 2003 and 2004, but also with Sacchi, because I formed myself and reached the national team. The passion was at the base of everything, trying to always improve, in the long run it became a challenge with myself. In football you grow from the human level, you learn the respect towards others, at 16 years of age I used to work in a world of adults and it was a growth which brought me to be a respected person, the real spring is the passion for the sport. I had many positive examples and from them I tried to learn, the important thing is the family and I had close to me who managed me and gave an education. With Milan I have no regrets. The defeats are very painful, but are part of the game. After 4 World Cups with the national team, I would have wanted to win something, I cannot deny that they were 15 very beautiful years, with a bit more of luck I might have managed to win what the Italian national team won when I stopped.

“On the rapport with the fans of the Curva I think that if I have to go to dinner with them to earn a banner, I ask myself what sense it has, if they do it without me going to dinner it means that I did well what I’m paid for. If a certain detachment is kept, certain actions that they do can be criticized, it’s a more direct rapport.

“With regards to Carlo Ancelotti, I think that in England he will have to adapt to a more physical football, he will need to learn English well. Leonardo is a bet and usually the president won these bets, bringing a charge of innovation and youth is not bad. It’s a courageous choice, but it’s not bad. The coach is important, he must manage the group and is there that the wins are prepared and is also important for the management of the dressing room during the year. There are coaches who give an unmistakable footprint to their squads.”

[Habitant]

And while I'm at it, here is a scan of all of Il Capitano's Panini stickers. They gave these away at Milan-Roma.

(IMG:http://i39.tinypic.com/o5ynpl.jpg)

(IMG:http://i41.tinypic.com/11aerzp.jpg)

i love it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Ro Rossonera]

OMG! Thank you Tennie, those were amazing! It's cool to see him over the years.

[LaPalma]

Bow in front of God! It's his 41st birthday today and his last with a running contract as Milan player (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)
So all of you..show some respect to our capitano!

[dst]

One more year for God... it's nothing for him, he's lived since forever!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

HEY!! Listen to LaPster!!!

[Ry4n]

Happy Birthday Capitano !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zed.D]

Happy Birthday Paolo!

[TriniKing_CE]

Italian FA: Thank You Paolo Maldini (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)


The Italian FA (FIGC) have paid tribute to the legendary Paolo Maldini after the defender elected to a distinguished career, which saw him play 126 times for the Azzurri, at the end of season 2008-09.

The FIGC have dedicated a whole page to Maldini in today's edition of La Gazzetta Dello Sport, thanking him for the appearances he made for La Nazionale from 1988-2002.

The message inside the paper's spread reads, "Paolo Maldini, 126 times Azzurro, Grazie."

Maldini began his Azzurri career during in 1988 and he retired from the international scene following the infamous shock loss to South Korea during the 2002 World Cup.

The FIGC have now honoured Maldini

Goal.com

[kurtsimonw]

There surely needs to be an Italy vs Milan tribute/testimonial type game where players he played alongside for both club and country play, it would be fantastic.

[dst]

The tribute was omitted in the international version of the paper I got this morning (I truly fail to understand why!) but thankfully I found a digital version of it.

(IMG:http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7544/paolomaldinifigctribute.jpg)

There surely needs to be an Italy vs Milan tribute/testimonial type game where players he played alongside for both club and country play, it would be fantastic.

That would be sweet and in the stands the whole history of the modern era would be there... God has even played football with someone that's now UEFA president and even received the CL trophy from him! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) I don't think that will ever be repeated.

No one can defeat time though... not for too long.

[mishie]

This months issue of Forza Milan! magazine has a special tribute section to the great captain and legend of Milan Paolo Maldini here are some of the messages....

Dear Paolo, it’s inevitable that we all stop playing sooner or later, but I thought you’d continue forever. You’re the great Maldini, the unbeatable, who even at 40 never lost your competitive spirit. You started to play when I was a child and I’ve never stopped admiring you. It’s said that the more we grow up the more we lose our heroes; instead with you the contrary has happened. My admiration for you has done nothing but increase with the passage of time. I admire your defensive work, your tactical sense, your sportive aggression, your way of marking rival strikers by adapting your play to their characteristics to neutralize them, your versatility, and more than any other thing, I’ve admired your way of living football, always with the maximum intensity, with an exemplary sportsmanship, values that I’ve modestly tried to interpret at my club, Barca. I’ve never heard a statement out of place, nor do I remember a bad foul on an opponent. You’ve demonstrated that to be one of the best defenders in the history of football you have never had to resort to violence. Nobody more than you has made it praiseworthy to stop people from scoring goals. As you see, you’ve always been a point of reference for me. A mirror. You taught me that, whatever the game, the player has to give everything. Your regularity has been awarded with a mountain of titles, you’ve played at the highest level for many years, both with Milan and with the Italian national team – and that’s not easy. Now that you’re leaving football, I regret never having realized one of my dreams: to play at your side. Without you, football won’t be the same. I tell you this with all my heart. With your retirement, it’s not just Milan who’s losing you but also those of us who’ve admired you and who will always admire you. I wish you a future full of happiness. With many thanks for what you have given to football and for your manner of being.
-- Carles Puyol (nb, this one was handwritten on barca stationery)

In the name of all my teammates from the national team and myself, we are grateful for what you have taught us and for all that you’ve done. With our admiration and good luck for your new challenges!!
-- Iker Casillas (also handwritten on Spanish FA stationery)

Dear Paolo, congratulations for all that you are as a footballer and a man and for being a model to imitate in all things. With respect,
-- Alex Del Piero (handwritten on Gobbi stationery)

He is a legend and has always been someone for me to look up to. His loyalty to AC Milan has been amazing and he’ll always be remembered for everyone in football’s history. Best wishes!
-- Cesc Fabregas (handwritten on Arsenal statonery)

To Paolo, One of the biggest honours in my career has been to play with you. Thank you,
-- David Beckham (handwritten on Milan stationery)

To Paolo, Congratulations on a wonderful career. You are a great ambassador for footballers across the world. It was a pleasure to share a football pitch with you. Best wishes,
-- Steven Gerrard (handwritten on dirtyrottenscouser stationery)

Honor to a loyal adversary, a champion on and off the pitch, a real man with who we’re divided by jersey colors but united in great respect.
-- Javier Zanetti (handwritten on cugini stationery)

Dear Paolo,

It’s an honor and a pleasure for me to have the chance to talk to you in a moment so important as the end of your career as a professional footballer. You’ve represented, and still represent, the profile of a footballer that I’ve always idolized. Always faithful to your club, Milan is your home it’s the continuation of your family and it’s enough to glance at your resume to understand your importance in world football.

7 scudetti, 5 Champions League cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 1 Coppa Italia along with several other trophies serve to illustrate an impeccable professional career.

To arrive at the age of 40 playing in the elite of football, as you have, is not easy. You’ve looked after your body, that you’ve lived for football, celebrating with your professionalism the work that you started at a young age, when you debuted with Milan in 1985. One time you said, ‘football is eternal youth’. I completely agree with you, Paolo.

Staying close to our work rejuvenates us and above all will give you the strength to continue with dignity in your new life. You’re a legend in Italy where you’re loved and admired. And at Real Madrid we have extraordinary respect for a man who loves football as much as you. Thank you for having made our world better. Best wishes,

-- Raul Gonzales Blanco (on Madrid stationery)

You have always been an example for me. You’re a myth. Congratulations for all that you’ve done on both the professional and personal level. With admiration,

-- Luis Figo (handwritten on cugini stationery)

What can you say about Paolo Maldini that hasn’t been said thousands of times before?

Quite simply, he is one of the greatest players the world has ever seen and a wtruly wonderful servant to a fabulous club, AC Milan, and, of course, Italy.

I was fortunate enough to play against him on more than one occasion and I say with huge pride that it was always a pleasure to be on the same pitch.

I’m sure that thousands of players will be relieved that he is finally calling it a day because any Rossoneri side in which he played posed a major threat.

I’m delighted to be asked to provide a brief tribute to mark his retirement from the game he graced for so long and I would like to take this opportunity to offer him my very best wishes for the future.

-- Ryan Giggs (on MU stationery)

Dear Paolo, I wish you a life on the same level as your carerr – full of successes and satisfaction. Football is looking a great player who has written pages and pages of history of our beloved sport. For as much as I know you, I’m sure that you’re not definitively leaving this sport and especially not this club. I wish you the best in this new phase of your life and I’m very proud of what you’ve done for Milan.

-- Cafu (on his foundation’s stationery)

Taking on a Milan without you won’t be the same any more. (PS – I’m right behind you). With friendship and affection,
-- Francesco Totti (handwritten on AS Roma stationery)

I wish you the all the very best for your retirement from your footballing career. You are a hero of mine and an inspiration to everyone in football. If I can be half the player you are, I would be very proud. Thank you and good luck,

-- John Terry (handwritten on Chelsea stationery)

all translations by Fishdoll

[han2503]

This months issue of Forza Milan! magazine has a special tribute section to the great captain and legend of Milan Paolo Maldini here are some of the messages....



all translations by Fishdoll

Thanks!!

And tell fishdoll that the penguis miss them...

[6Best]

This months issue of Forza Milan! magazine has a special tribute section to the great captain and legend of Milan Paolo Maldini here are some of the messages....



all translations by Fishdoll

Wow , that's amazing . Thanks a lot .

[Bluesummers]

Paolo Maldini Teaches the art of Defending:


link



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) If only it was that easy to just look at the videos and imitate him.

[Zed.D]

(IMG:http://estaticos04.marca.com/imagenes/2009/11/16/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1258360088_0.jpg)

Maldini: Ramos can be my successor, he's got everything ( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )


http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y...sl=es&tl=en