Paolo Maldini, the legendary former AC Milan defender and technical director, sent a touching message to his beloved club as they celebrated their 125th anniversary. Despite choosing not to attend the festivities in person, Maldini’s words conveyed his enduring connection to the Rossoneri.

In an Instagram post, Maldini wrote, “Congratulations on your 125th year. The bond between the Maldini family and AC Milan, along with its history and memories, can never be diminished by anyone.”

Maldini’s relationship with AC Milan is deeply rooted in the club’s history. He holds the record for the most appearances, having played 902 matches over a remarkable 25-year career. His father, Cesare, also had a significant impact on the club with 483 appearances. The Maldini legacy continued with Paolo’s sons, Daniel and Christian, both of whom represented Milan’s youth teams. Currently, Daniel is making a name for himself in Serie A with Monza.

The post received warm responses from several current and former AC Milan players, including Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan, Davide Calabria, and Riccardo Montolivo.

Reports suggested that Maldini had declined an invitation to attend the club’s anniversary celebrations in person. This comes in the wake of his dismissal as technical director on June 6, 2023, along with fellow director Ricky Massara, just over a year after Milan’s most recent Serie A title victory.

Despite the recent changes in his relationship with the club’s management, Maldini’s message serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between the Maldini family and AC Milan, transcending any current circumstances.