Ferguson recalls being told to ‘forget it’ in incredible shut down when he tried to sign Maldini for Man Utd
The 77-year-old has lifted the lid on when he tried to sign the Italian defender from AC Milan
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MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed he was shut down in epic fashion when he enquired over the signing of Paolo Maldini.
The Scot has revealed that he tried to bring the AC Milan hero to Old Trafford during his time in charge, but was brutally rejected by the Italian's father.
Ferguson spoke about the possible signing to Cesare Maldini - who himself achieved cult status at the San Siro after playing for the club for 12 years as well as two spells in charge as boss.
Speaking at an event in Italy, Ferguson lifted the lid on the conversation he had with Maldini Sr, who made it perfectly clear he would never depart the Rossoneri.
The 77-year-old 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."
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Before quickly adding: "No, he did say: "My grandfather was Milan, my father's Milan, I'm Milan, my son is Milan. Forget it."
Maldini spent his entire career at Milan spanning 24 years between 1985-2009, amassing over 900 appearances.
The 50-year-old - now the sporting director at his beloved club - won a total of 27 major honours with the Serie A side, including seven league titles and an incredible five European Cups.
Capped 126 times by the Azzurri, Maldini averaged only 0.56 challenges per game during his career, claiming: "If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake.”