Barcelona defender Gerard Martin has received a rather special birthday gift from one of his idols, Paolo Maldini.
Martin’s name has already been linked to Milan, but because of reported transfer interest. Matteo Moretto claimed earlier in the month that the Rossoneri areinterested in signing the Spaniard. However, Mundo Deportivo then insisted the the player himself has no interest in leaving Barcelona.
Recently, the defender gave an interview to TV3 in which he was asked about the idea of joining Milan and also about the ‘Gerard Maldini’ nickname that his team-mates have given him.
“It’s quite funny. My team-mates call me Maldini. I take it well and am happy to be performing at a good level as a centre-back to be named like that,” he said.
Now, Maldini has sent a match worn shirt from his playing days to Martin, having obviously taken note of the comments and the comparisons. Is it the kind of gesture that could make him reconsider a move to the Rossoneri?
👕🎁 Paolo Maldini has sent his own match worn shirt from back in the days to Barcelona defender Gerard Martin.
Nice gesture following Martin’s comments on Maldini as idol + teammates calling him ‘Gerard Maldini’. pic.twitter.com/cH2t77qREi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 28, 2026