Italy and AC Milan great Paolo Maldini confirmed Sunday he will end his 24-year career at the end of this season. Speaking to Italian TV channel Mediaset Premium after Milan's 4-2 Club World Cup triumph over Boca Juniors of Argentina, the 39-year claimed he would not play past his 40th birthday - which arrives just a week after the end of the Italian season.
"It's wonderful because it's difficult to reach 39 years old at a great club such as Milan, a club that has always given me the possibility to play for important trophies," said the left back. "Now, I feel really satisfied with what I've achieved."
Maldini has set many records during his remarkable career, including earning 126 Italian caps, with 74 of those coming as captain, playing in 170 European club matches - although his return of just three goals is less impressive - and playing 603 Serie A matches.