Paolo Maldini, a legendary figure in the world of football, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. His career, entirely spent at AC Milan, spanned over two decades, during which he won numerous titles and accolades. Here are 23 quotes that capture the essence of Paolo Maldini’s views on football, life, and his illustrious career:
- “If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake.”
- “I like Pique a lot. He has class. He knows how to defend and also how to score. He is perfect in a duo with Carles Puyol.”
- “Becoming a champion is not an easy task. It requires hard work, dedication, and above all, a love for what you do.”
- “When I see Messi play, in my opinion, he should win the Ballon d’Or every year. He is an unbelievable player.”
- “If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake.”
- “The secret to my longevity? Passion, clean living, and a luck that comes to you when you don’t go looking for it.”
- “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
- “You don’t just wake up one day and find yourself at the top. It’s a journey, a battle that goes on and on.”
- “I have always considered myself more of a football man than a club man.”
- “The best defense is to not let your opponent have the ball.”
- “Leadership is not about being the best. Leadership is about making everyone else better.”
- “In football, as in life, you must learn to play within the rules of the game.”
- “Every match is a story; you just have to write the ending.”
- “You learn more from losing than winning. You learn how to keep going.”
- “My father taught me that the only way you can make good at anything is to practice, and then practice some more.”
- “Retirement is not the end. It’s just a transition into a different chapter of life.”
- “The applause of the crowd is not the end; it is the beginning of a new challenge.”
- “The Milan jersey is a burden that you feel. It’s heavy to wear but beautiful to carry.”
- “I never saw myself as a superstar. I saw myself as a servant of the game.”
- “The greatest respect you can earn is the respect of your peers.”
- “To be able to wear the captain’s armband for Milan and Italy is the greatest honor.”
- “Football is simple. It’s the players who make it complicated.”
- “Age is not an obstacle, it’s just a number. It’s all about how you feel in your mind and heart.”
