Maldini sets new Serie A record

Maldini's career in photos In pictures

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has set a new record for Serie A appearances.

Maldini's appearance in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Treviso - his 571st top-flight Italian game - took him past Dino Zoff's old record.

Maldini, who has played 801 games for AC Milan in all competitions, made his league debut in a 1-1 draw with Udinese on January 20 1985.

During his 20 years with the club the 37-year-old defender has won seven Serie A titles and four European Cups.

Maldini's contract with Milan runs until the end of next season and he said this week that he intended to see out that deal, despite suggestions that he might retire because of niggling problems with his knee.

"I think I have aged pretty well," said Maldini. "My spirit is still that of a kid, the knee a little less so, but I will look to honour my contract until 30 June 2007.

If the former Italy international, who can play either as a left-back or as a central defender, does go on to play for another two seasons he would surpass 600 Serie A appearances.

In 2000 Maldini broke Zoff's international record of 112 caps for Italy.

In all, the cultured defender played 126 times for his country before announcing his retirement from international football in 2002.