Guardiola Dedicates Champions League Victory To Milan Captain Maldini

Pep is certainly pleased to have won Europe's top club prize and has made an unexpected dedication to Calcio...

Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final in Rome on Wednesday. After the match, Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola spoke about his delight at winning the trophy.

One of the first things he mentioned was the host city and a specific issue affecting Italian football at the moment; the retirement of defender Paolo Maldini.

"I dedicate this to Italian football and Paolo Maldini, who need not worry because he has the admiration of all of Europe," the victorious boss told RAI Sport.

The Milan captain was insulted by some Rossoneri fans during his final match at San Siro this past weekend, something that reportedly angered the former Italian international, who is on the verge of ending his 24 year career.

Guardiola knows Maldini from his playing days in Italy, where he had stints with both Brescia and Roma in the early part of the decade.

"I'm experiencing a great joy, it's been a pleasure to win it in Roma, a hug to all Italians," he said in conclusion.

Adam Scime, Goal.com