Alex Ferguson shut down by Paolo Maldini’s father when he tried to sign him for Man United

Sir Alex Ferguson built some of English football’s greatest teams while manager of Manchester United – however he has revealed how he was denied one of the game’s greatest defenders. 

Ferguson has confirmed he wanted to sign AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, but was unsuccessful, with the Italian instead staying at the San Siro for the entirety of his 25-year career. 

The former United boss has revealed how he was rebuffed by Paolo’s father, Cesare Maldini, who made it very clear that his son would never leave Milan. 

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Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed how he was denied one of the game’s greatest defenders

Ferguson has confirmed he unsuccessfully tried to sign AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini

At a recent event in Italy, Ferguson said: ‘Well I did try, but when I met his father, he was quite formidable. I got a shake of the head, that’s all I got.’

Initially when asked what Maldini senior said to him, Ferguson replied ‘Nothing’, before remembering the rebuttal in its entirety.

He said: ‘No, he did say: “My grandfather was Milan, my father’s Milan, I’m Milan, my son is Milan. Forget it”.’

The former United boss has revealed how he was rebuffed by Paolo’s father, Cesare Maldini

Maldini junior enjoyed a phenomenally successful career with the Serie A giants, winning the Champions League three times, in 1994, 2003 and 2007.

He also won seven Serie A titles in a playing career with the club that spanned from 1985 to 2009. He remains with AC Milan as sporting director.

Cesare Maldini, meanwhile, played for the club between 1953 and 1966 and was manager in three separate spells.