Former AC Milan defender and Italian international, Cesare Maldini, has passed away at the age of 84. The legendary sweeper played more than 400 matches for the Milanese club between 1954 and 1966 winning 4 Serie A titles and the European Cup in 1963.
Cesare Maldini even guided AC Milan to victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Coppa Italia in 1973. Maldini is also famous for his work in building the national team taking them to the World Cup in 1998.
More importantly, Cesare Maldini worked extensively on the growth and the development of the Italian youth coaching the likes of his own son, Paolo Maldini and Francesco Totti, Gianluigi Buffon as well as Fabio Cannavaro. His influence on the youth was unparalleled winning the European Under-21 in 1992, 1994 and 1996 with a squad consisting of future superstars like the aforementioned ones.
Cesare Maldini also represented his national team more than 25 times even travelling to Chile in 1962. At the end of the same calendar year, he was included in the FIFA World Cup All-Star team outlining his abilities and prowess as a centre-back / sweeper.
Maldini's influence on the game extended way after his retirement with the son, Paolo Maldini, who is an Italian and AC Milan legend in his own right carrying the name of the family and the club through some of its most historic and glorious years.
The reason for the Cesare Maldini's death is still uncertain. We will keep you updated on the same as we learn more. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Maldini family.
