In this file photo, former AC Milan player and national team coach Cesare Maldini, second from left, holds hands with his nephew Christian, son of Paolo Maldini, second from right, as they pose with then Italian national soccer team coach Giovanni Trapattoni, left, former national coaches Arrigo Sacchi, center, and Dino Zoff. Maldini died in Milan at the age of 84. AP
MILAN — Milan has announced the death of long-time coach and player Cesare Maldini at the age of 84.
In a statement Sunday, the club remembered Maldini as “a man who was destined for immense achievements at Milan.”
Maldini made his Milan debut as a player in 1954, going on to make 412 appearances that included four Italian league titles and one European Cup before retiring in 1966.
He returned to the club six years later as a coach until a defeat to Verona in 1974 cost him his job. He also coached Italy during the 1998 World Cup in France.
His son Paolo followed his footsteps to play at Milan, while a grandson, Christian, plays for the under-19 team Milan Primavera.