Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Paolo Maldini at Manchester United
Maldini spent his entire career at AC Milan and racked up 892 appearances across all competitions before retiring in 2009.
During his successful 25-year career at the San Siro, the former defender won seven Serie A titles and five European crowns.
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Paolo Maldini spent his entire career at AC Milan
And Ferguson admits he tried to bring Maldini, now 48, to Manchester United but was blocked by the Italian's father.
The pair could have shared success at Old Trafford, with Ferguson having led United to Premier League glory on 13 occasions as well as two Champions League titles.
But Maldini's father told Ferguson that there was no way his son was joining the Red Devils due to the family's loyalty to Milan.
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Sir Alex Ferguson could not convince Paolo Maldini to leave his beloved AC Milan
"I did try [to sign Maldini]," said the 75-year-old Ferguson. "But when I met his father he was quite formidable, I got a shake of the head.
"He said, 'My grandfather is Milan, my father is, I am Milan, my sons are Milan. Forget it'."
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