Paolo Maldini Declines Invitation to AC Milan's 125th Anniversary Celebration

AC Milan is commemorating its 125th anniversary with a series of events, including a special ceremony at San Siro Stadium before their match against Genoa. The club has extended invitations to numerous former players and legends to honor this significant milestone. However, reports indicate that Paolo Maldini, one of the most iconic figures in the club's history, has declined the invitation.

Maldini, who dedicated nearly three decades to AC Milan as a player and later as a technical director, parted ways with the club in June 2023 under contentious circumstances. The separation has seemingly left unresolved tensions, which are believed to be the reason behind his decision to abstain from the anniversary celebrations.

During his illustrious playing career, Maldini made 901 appearances for AC Milan, contributing to numerous domestic and international triumphs. His absence from the anniversary event underscores the lingering discord between him and the current club management.

The anniversary ceremony is set to feature other club legends, including Alessandro Costacurta, Roberto Donadoni, Frank Rijkaard, and Clarence Seedorf. Despite Maldini's absence, the club aims to honor its rich history and the contributions of its esteemed players.

AC Milan was officially founded on December 13, 1899. The club has organized various events throughout the week to celebrate its 125-year legacy, with the main ceremony scheduled before the Genoa match. Players are expected to wear a special retro-designed kit to mark the occasion.