Maldini the Great bids football farewell

"When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-level. And although he has never taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed. Zinedine Zidane was brilliant but without a doubt, Paolo Maldini has been my favorite." - Alex Ferguson

As most European leagues wind up, it is time to raise a glass to Paolo Maldini, who finally hung up his AC Milan cleats today at the age of 40, after a stunning quarter century at the top.

As long as I can remember, the high-cheekboned face has been a fixture at left-back for the Italian giants, and until a few years ago, his national team. 'When is he going to retire?' became the refrain as season after season there he was in the red and black. 'He's been around for ages!' Until just short of his 41st birthday was the final answer, his perennially boyish looks betraying a seasoned veteran.

What a career to tell the grandkids about: Debuting for the rossoneri aged 16 back in 1985, he went on to bag five European Cups, seven Serie A titles and the appearance records for Serie A and Italy, for whom he played 126 times. Maldini wore the azzurro in four World Cup finals though was unfortunate not to be picked for Italy's victorious campaign in 2006 -the following year he was voted best defender in the UEFA Champions League.

In the middle of a dynasty, Paolo took on the baton for club and country from father Cesare, and has passed it on to his 12-year old son Christian, now in the Milan youth system.

One sad note was the unfurling of antagonistic banners at his farewell game at the San Siro last week, referring to his criticism of Milan fans earlier this season.

"On the pitch you have been an infinite champion but you have lacked the respect of those that have made you rich", said one; "Our deepest thanks from those you defined as mercenaries", proclaimed another, while a large banner deliberately honored his predecessor Franco Baresi. But their carping will not tarnish Maldini's long-earned reputation as a model professional on and off the field.

Being a man at the back, he was never likely to win the Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year crown, but World Soccer magazine did elect him their World Player of the Year in 1994.

He left the soccer field for the last time today as one of the greatest defenders of all time. Only a true great could spend a quarter of a century racking up over 900 appearances for one of the world's best teams. Just imagine entering your fifth decade and still playing at the top of the tree.

Milan waved Paolo goodbye with a 2-0 win away at Fiorentina. Farewell to an amazing career.

-Sean O'Conor