Exclusive: Paolo Maldini Deserved To Win The Ballon d’Or - Bruno Pizzul

Maldini will be saluting the San Siro this weekend in what will most likely be an emotional farewell, however, Pizzul thinks his career deserved just one more award…

Legendary television commentator Bruno Pizzul has heaped praise upon Paolo Maldini as the veteran defender prepares for the final Serie A match of his career.

Pizzul hailed Maldini's qualities and, like many others, he believes that the Ballon d’Or would have been a just reward for the defender who will be remembered as an all-time great.

"Maldini had an extraordinary career. He proved to have incredible potential since he was very young, always clean and loyal from the behaviour point of view, an example for everyone," declared the commentator to Goal.com Italy.

"He definitely deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.

"I remember his debut with the national team, which was against Yugoslavia in Split. He was very young but had already proved to be a great player and it was evident that he would have become a world class player.

"I don't think that he will become the coach now. Milan are always very careful in finding the right place for their greats, so he will surely have a role in the Rossoneri's management."

The 40-year-old retire at the end of the season and Sunday's match marks his last time at the San Siro as a player. Maldini has played a record 645 league games, scoring 29 goals in Serie A.

Glenn Debattista, Goal.com