As a younger kid, football or as you Americans want to put it, soccer, was the biggest craze and I saw myself becoming a soccer star in the future. This reality never came to be, but there were many different role models that I looked up to in the soccer world and I think the most influential one for me was Paolo Maldini. Anyone who knows a little about soccer will definitely know who Paolo Maldini is. He was never the most flashiest of players but during his playing days and after he has been admired by almost everybody in the soccer community. I think how he approached the game, his dedication, class and gentlemen like qualities are what drew me to him. Maldini was always someone who put 110% during training and games. He was a left back and center back by design and never looked to make the flashies plays but always be there when his team needed him. He also only played for AC Milan, which for my shows his loyalty towards his team. His dedication and passion towards the game alongside his thirst for knowledge and wanting to play the beautiful game without hurting anyone are important things for me and overall how he acted was something I felt like I wanted to emulate.
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