Italy

Paolo Maldini Is The Symbol Of AC Milan - Alessandro Del Piero

Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero has sung the praises of his Milan counterpart Paolo Maldini, who will hang up his boots in a couple weeks' time after 24 years with the Rossoneri.

May 22, 2009 8:36:27 PM

Alessandro Del Piero tries to find an extra gear to help Juventus continue their title charge but they could only draw 1-1 against Sampdoria (Grazia Neri)

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Legendary AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini will play his last home match against Roma this coming Sunday in what will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion. After a glorious 24-year career, in which he has won countless national and international trophies, he has decided to hang up his boots at 41 years of age.

Praise from team-mates and adversaries is coming from all corners these days, and today another one of his historic opponents, Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero, called in to Milan Channel during an interview to speak to his former Italy team-mate.

"You are truly the number one," he said, "there are great players and there are world-class players. And then there are some players who even go beyond that. Paolo is a perfect example of that."

According to Del Piero, also long acknowledged as a symbol of Italian football, Maldini has even managed to surpass another Milan legend, Franco Baresi, his predecessor as the Rossoneri's captain.

"He is the symbol of Milan, he's managed to do even more than Baresi and all the other great players," he continued. "He's reached impressive targets in his career and he also has achieved a great image in his team, and in Italian and international football."

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com