Man Utd boss Ferguson rates AC Milan legend Maldini, ahead of Zidane, Messi

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini ahead of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

"When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-level," Ferguson told The Independent. "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 favourite.

"He has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world's greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era."