When Maldini shot down Ferguson's proposal to join Man U

London, Jan 7 (ANI): Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he once tried to sign Italian legend Paolo Maldini, only to be shot down by the defender's dad.

The Manchester United chief asked former Italy boss Cesare if his son would leave AC Milan for the Theatre of Dreams.

Ferguson, who is struggling with a defensive injury crisis at United, said: "I always wanted to get Paolo here but it was impossible."I met his father at a game and told him how much I'd love to have his son at United," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

"Cesare smiled at me and said 'My grandfather was Milan, my father was Milan, I played for Milan and now my son is Milan'. And that was it - story over!" (ANI)