Picture: Italy legend Maldini sends his Milan shirt to Barcelona talent

Barcelona defender Gerard Martin received an unforgettable birthday surprise when Italy and AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini mailed him one of his own signed, match-worn Rossoneri shirts. Martin, who joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023, posted an image of the gift on Instagram alongside Maldini’s handwritten note: “To Gerard, happy birthday and good luck with your career. With affection, Paolo Maldini.”

The 77-time Barcelona appearance man—who has one goal and six assists since arriving at the Camp Nou—has long cited Maldini as his idol. The pair share positional versatility, comfortable at either left-back or centre-back, a similarity that has earned Martin the dressing-room nickname “Gerard Maldini,” according to Sportmediaset. Under contract with the Catalan club until 2028, the Spanish international will now treasure both the jersey and the encouragement from the seven-time European champion.