Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he tried to sign AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.
The Italian defender is among the most famous one-club men in the game after making 904 appearances for the San Siro side across a 24-season career, impressively winning seven Serie A titles, five Champions League trophies and 14 other major cups, while also earning 127 international caps.
“I did try but, when I met his father [ex-coach Cesare], he was quite formidable," Sir Alex said in New York, when asked if he ever wanted Paolo to play for United. “I got a shake of the head and that was all. He said 'my grandfather is Milan, my father is Milan, I am Milan and my son is Milan... forget it!'"
Maldini, who retired aged 40 in May 2009, was unaware of the request but politely admitted he would not have left his beloved Milan.
“The good part about it is that he [his father] has never talked to me about it. There was no chance though!"