AC Milan legend Cesare Maldini has welcomed the signing of Villarreal defender Cristian Zapata.

Zapata signed formally for Milan yesterday.

Maldini told TMW: "I remember him from Udine, he did very well, then at Villarreal has not done very well and has had an injury .

"But it is obvious that Milan will have followed the player and considered him fully recovered.

"I think he still is not exactly a central defender but inevitably some kind of welcome by the fans after the departure of Thiago Silva. The Brazilian is a phenomenal player that I believe could have had a long career with the Rossoneri like (Franco) Baresi or Paolo (Maldini).

"So I think we need a high level player in defence."