MANCHESTER UNITED were one of three Premier League clubs that tried to sign Paolo Maldini from AC Milan.
Maldini is widely regarded as one of the world’s best ever defenders following a 24-year playing career at the top level.
The Milan-born ace racked up a staggering 902 appearances for his hometown club, winning seven Serie A titles.
And he helped them secure a further 18 honours, including a total of five European Cup as his career covered the Champions League era too.
Maldini has now revealed he had the opportunity to leave Serie A behind in order to head for the Premier League.
And he’s explained why he opted to stick with Milan when Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson came calling.
“I was born in Milan, for me it was the best to play in Milan,” Maldini told Sky Sports Italia.
“I was very lucky because the goals of the team were my goals: we were both very ambitious.
“We found ourselves perfectly. It was a good ride, between highs and lows. The English arrived in those lows.
“Ferguson? Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. But going away at times is not possible.”
Maldini, who turns 50 today, was named by former United ace Michael Owen in his Perfect XI last year.
“Just look at his trophy cabinet!” said Owen. “To play for a team like that for as long as he did at the highest level says it all.
“A great left foot, and while he maybe lost a yard as time went on, defenders like that never get done for pace because they’re so intelligent.
“People tell me Bobby Moore was like that, John Terry is like that – and so was Sami Hyypia at Liverpool. Maldini knows his body and is very clever.”
Source:www.express.co.uk