Spine-Tingling Footage Of Paolo Maldini Confronting Gennaro Gattuso Proves He's Football's Ultimate Captain

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini earned his status as football's greatest captain after commanding respect from a furious Gennaro Gattuso.

Maldini represented the Rossoneri for 25 years and captained the side for 13 of those, leading by example.

The Italy international expected perfection from his teammates on the pitch when it came to mentality.

Among his charges were Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf and Gattuso as well as others.

It was Gattuso who was hardest to keep a hold of with his famous temper regularly getting the better of him.

One game in 2005 saw Maldini step in and flex his authority in a way very few ever have.

During a heated clash against Juventus, Pavel Nedved went down in the box under a challenge from Jaap Stam.

Gattuso wasn't involved in the incident but attempted to goad Nedved by telling the Ballon d'Or winner he dived.

That saw a flood of Juventus players charge over and cause a scene. Emotions were likely high as Milan raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half.

A young Zlatan Ibrahimovic can be seen enjoying the spectacle in the background.

Sky Sport)

Maldini knew his side were in a great position and told Gattuso: "Shut up and calm down!"

Gattuso looks ready to argue back with his skipper, who shoved his teammate before telling him: "Don't ruin this for us."

It's believed Maldini told Gattuso, 'Stai muto', which carries the same weight in Italian as 'Shut the f**k up' does in English.

The phrase is regularly used in the army and can only be used by someone in a high position.

Fans have reacted to the footage and they think modern football needs more characters like this.

Sky Sport)

One commented: "When Maldini talks, you shut up and you execute what he says. Gattuso clearly understood that."

Another put: "This is the only time I've ever seen Gattuso genuinely scared Maldini was an animal man..."

A third said: "I grew up on this era of football. So many legends in one clip."

While someone simply stated: "Maldini is the king of all kings."

Milan went on to hold onto their lead and win 3-1 but Juventus would end up coming first in Serie A.

The title itself was later awarded to Inter Milan due to Juventus' involvement in a match-fixing scandal.

Topics: AC Milan, Paolo Maldini, Serie A, Juventus, Italy

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_