10 Best One-Club Men In Football History
5. Paolo Maldini
"Il Capitano" is the final defender on this list, and we've certainly saved the best for last. Surpassed only by the great Gianluigi Buffon for most Serie A appearances, Paolo Maldini's service to Italian football and AC Milan in particular, is something fans watched in awe during his incredible career. Rising beyond simply his own position to be regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the grass, Maldini's relation to Milan stems all the way from birth, to his current position as technical director.
Through 25 seasons as a player for the Rossoneri, the former-captain won the equivalent of a trophy per season, and you'd do well to find a player in the club's history more adored by the hardcore fans who line the stands of the San Siro (well, half of them...). It's hard to find a word grand enough to describe his influence in Milan and on the pitch, but the term 'unbeatable' goes some way to giving the magnificent Maldini the praise he deserves.
The day we see another world-class player born in a city and stay there with one club for their whole youth, senior and administrative career (so far), will be an imaginative day because if we're being realistic, it's not going to happen. Oh how we miss you, Paolo...