On May 31, 2009, Fiorentina hosted AC Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence. This match was significant for several reasons. It marked the final appearance for Brazilian star Ricardo Kakà in his first spell with the Rossoneri before his move to Real Madrid a few weeks later. It was also the last game in charge for coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, the day was perhaps most memorable for celebrating the end of an unparalleled, legendary career spent entirely in the Milan shirt.
Paolo Maldini was bidding farewell after an incredible 24 years with the club. His illustrious journey began with his debut on January 20, 1985, away to Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. The match against Fiorentina was a crucial encounter for Milan, as they needed a victory to mathematically secure qualification for the Champions League. Milan won the game 2-0, with goals scored by Kakà and Alexandre Pato. In this, his final match, Maldini made his 647th appearance in Serie A and his 902nd competitive appearance overall for Milan.
`I have a vivid memory of that day,` Paolo Maldini recounted years later, recalling his final performance. `The Viola fans gave me a great round of applause. I am a Milan icon, but having played for the national team helped me enter the hearts of fans of other teams throughout Italy; I am very proud of that.`
At the final whistle in Florence, Paolo Maldini received a standing ovation from the crowd, a fitting tribute to one of the greatest defenders to ever play the game, even from the home fans. His father, the late Cesare Maldini, a former Milan player and coach himself, was also present in the stands to witness his son`s emotional retirement.
