Two more years for Maldini
Monday, March 31, 2003
Article summary
Paolo Maldini has extended his contract with AC Milan and will remain as the club's captain until 2005.
Article body
Club record
Italy's most capped player ever has broken several other records this season. During the current UEFA Champions League campaign he became the player with most appearances in European competition (119). Last week he equalled Rossoneri legend Gianni Rivera's record of 501 appearances for Milan, and he now looks set to smash the club's appearance record.
Multiple honours
During his career at the San Siro Stadium Maldini has won everything in sight. Since making his debut as a 16-year-old in 1985, the defender has won the European Champion Clubs' Cup three times (1989, 1990 and 1994); the UEFA Super Cup three times (1989, 1990, 1995); two Europe/South America Trophies (1989 and 1990); and six Serie A titles (1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1999).
Brilliant form
The elegant defender decided to retire from international football after Italy's disappointment at the FIFA World Cup finals, but the Azzurri's loss, has unquestionably been Milan's gain. This season Maldini has been in brilliant form for the Rossoneri, playing more minutes (3,323) than any of his team-mates in the 45 official matches played by Milan this year.
Champions League hope
Another two years with Milan will give Maldini the chance to break more records and maybe win more trophies, possibly beginning with this season's UEFA Champions League. The Rossoneri are third in Serie A and will face AFC Ajax in the Champions League quarter-finals in April.
