Paolo Maldini remains one of Milan's greatest ever players. He had followed in the footsteps of his father, Cesare, by also captaining AC Milan. A one club man, he spent 25 years playing for his beloved boyhood club. As a five-time winner of the European Cup (Champions League), his legendary status was sealed for all time.
Maldini finally retired in 2009 aged 38. Since he left, all efforts to lure him back to the club he loved and still loves, in one capacity or the other, had failed. Who wouldn't want a man of his soccer pedigree on the staff of the club. It was therefore hardly surprising that his lack of involvement with the team he served with distinction for 25 years was a painful, at times mystifying situation.
According to our sources, one of the main reasons for his reluctance to go back was his difficult relationship with some of the team's more fanatical supporters, the Ultras. Maldini had condemned their attitude and all forms of violence or intimidation. He also felt the club directors did not support him sufficiently in his clash with this group of fans.
However, to the delight of all, Paolo Maldini is back at Milan. New owners, Elliott, an American hedge fund, were able to successfully lure him back. The new owners having been appointing staff at ruthless speed having seized control of the club only four weeks ago. Maldini has been appointed Sporting strategy and development director.
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