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'Maldini was my idol': Darmian's AC Milan memories

Italian defender Matteo Darmian came through the youth system at the Rossoneri and made his debut for the club as a 16-year-old in November 2006.

Now at the age of 29, Matteo may have only featured a further five times in all competitions before moving on from the San Siro in 2010, but it’s clear he still cherishes the decade he spent at the seven-time European champions.

“I grew up at AC Milan,” said the right-back, who also played for Padova, Palermo and Torino before joining United four years ago. “I spent nine or 10 years in the Academy, so I grew up there as a player but also as a man, so I’m proud of that.