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HISTORY
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PLACE : MILANO (MI)
International Debut 31/03/1988 v Yugoslavia (drew 1-1)
The name Maldini has special significance in Italian football. Following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, Cesare Maldini, who was a star for AC Milan and Italy in the 1960s before becoming national coach, Paolo Maldini is now writing football history as one of the world's greatest defenders. He has played for his local side, AC Milan, ever since he was a boy, making his Serie A debut in 1985, at the age of 16. Wearing the famous red and black jersey, he has won a string of national and international honours: five Italian championship medals (1988, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1996), three Cup Winners' Cup medals (1989, 1990 and 1994), two FIFA Club World Championship medals (1989 and 1990) and three European Super Cups (1989, 1990 and 1995). His was first picked for the Squadra Azzurra in March 1988. But international honours have always eluded him. The highlight to date for Italy's most-capped international was reaching the final of the 1994 FIFA World CupTM in the United States, when Italy lost the Final to Brazil on penalties. Maldini is a truly majestic footballer. He outwits opposing strikers not with unnecessary aggression, but with perfect timing and outstanding reading of the game. Fair play is second nature to him, and he is a good example to young players both on and off the pitch. In defence he hardly ever puts a foot wrong, and frequently enjoys venturing into attack down the left flank. His maturity - evident even as a young player - flair and vision, have made him into one of the world's greatest defenders. Maldini has confirmed that 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan? will be his final outing with the Italian national team, and he has also indicated that he will stop playing altogether in two years. It will be a sad day for Italy if one of their favourite sons retires without having lifted the World Cup. The steadfastness and reliability he personifies on the football pitch, are also prevalent in his private life. Maldini lives quietly with his wife, the former photo model Adriana Fossa, outside Milan. They have a son, Christian, born during the UEFA European Championship 1996. In the glitzy, showbiz type world of modern football, Paolo Maldini is a rare gem indeed. Left rear, sweeper, stopper, he can do it all And almost perfectly. An inspired defender in the left-back berth, Maldini is also the starting point of many Italian attacks down the left flank while his ability in the air makes him a regular goalscorer at set piece situations. He?s a product of Milan and started his professional career ago with the Ct Liedholm. Even if he is 30 years old, he looks like a very young player. After Franco Baresi he became captain of Milan and the Italian National team. Some wanted him on the central defence for Milan and the National team, but he is the best one on the left side.
YOU'LL ALWAYS BE OUR HERO,MR.MALDINI!!!
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Dear,Mr.Paolo Maldini