Paolo Maldini: 'Real Madrid is the Greatest Team in the World, Milan is Second'
AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini praises Real Madrid as the world's premier football club, placing Milan second, during a visit with Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their Champions League match against Atalanta.
Paolo Maldini, the iconic former player of AC Milan, visited the hotel where the Real Madrid squad was staying ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta. Maldini, who shares a close friendship with Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti from their time together at Milan, also spoke with club president Florentino Perez.
During an interview with Real Madrid Television, Maldini expressed his admiration for the Spanish club, stating, "In my opinion, Real Madrid is the greatest team in the world, and Milan is second." This sentiment reflects the mutual respect between two of Europe's most successful football institutions.
Maldini spent his entire professional career at AC Milan, where he won numerous titles, including seven Serie A championships and five European Cups. Under Ancelotti's management from 2001 to 2009, Milan achieved remarkable success, including two UEFA Champions League titles, a Serie A title, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
The upcoming match between Real Madrid and Atalanta is crucial, with both teams competing for a spot in the next round of the Champions League. Maldini's visit underscores the deep connections and respect shared among football's elite clubs and their legends.