MILAN - Paolo Maldini experienced his last Christmas and is about to experience his last New Year's Eve as a footballer. After that, it's not yet known what will happen. But for now, he doesn't think about it, even though he is starting to realise that his brilliant and enviable career as a protagonist in football will be finished in June. In his interview to Milan Channel, the captain recapped this 2008, talking about himself, the team, the league, the Uefa Cup, and the new arrivals at Milan. Here are some of the things said by the number 3.
Paolo, how can you recap the year 2008 which is about to end?
"At a personal level I am happy about how I lived this year. I managed to play with continuity without feeling pain to my knees, I did not undergo operations like I had done in the previous two years and so I was practically always with my team mates. At team level, certainly the summer friendlies did not go well. We recovered, and had a long series of useful results and good performances, and then decreased a little. But it can happen."
During your career you have seen a lot. The lesson has been "never give up." Does that also hold for this season?
"Absolutely. In 1999 we won a Scudetto that seemed lost. The situation was desperate, but with our desire and a few missteps of our opponents we did it. It would be absurd to think now that the league is finished and that there is no chance of catching Inter. This team has to play always thinking that it's destined to fight until the end, even though this did not happen in the last two seasons."
How much and in what way were you surprised by Ronaldinho?
"I did not know him. He has a positive image because, aside from his undisputable technical qualities, he never gets into trouble on the pitch. Off the pitch, however, people said certain things about him, but when there are contrasts between a club and a player, sometimes things come out that aren't true. I see a likeable and well-integrated player."
And here he found a different kind of preparation which allowed him to improve his condition. Physical and characteristic differences that also exist between Milan and Inter...
"Yes, they are more powerful and strong, we have other qualities. It's normal that you train the characteristics you think are necessary to win leagues or cups."
What can you tell us about the Uefa Cup?
"Until now it's been important because it gave a chance to the less utilised players in the league to show themselves. It's a new competition, which is entering its crucial phase and which will be similar to the Champions League, also for the value of the opponents."
Is there a player who arrived last summer that impressed you more than others?
"Borriello. When he came in he has always done well. Until now he's been a bit unlucky. He undoubtedly has characteristics which are fundamental to us and which no other player in our squad has this season. I think he could be a reference point during the remainder of the season."
acmilan.com
but I thnk maldinis comment was more like he's impressed with bofiello like didn't know he was good. With all due respect ronaldinhos reputation precedes him. Boriello still came as an unknown
Do you feel like Belen in the old days after a couple of rounds of champagne?