Pep is certainly pleased to have won Europe's top club prize and has made an unexpected dedication to Calcio

Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final in Rome on Wednesday. After the match, Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola spoke about his delight at winning the trophy.

One of the first things he mentioned was the host city and a specific issue affecting Italian football at the moment; the retirement of defender Paolo Maldini.

"I dedicate this to Italian football and Paolo Maldini, who need not worry because he has the admiration of all of Europe," the victorious boss told RAI Sport.

The Milan captain was insulted by some Rossoneri fans during his final match at San Siro this past weekend, something that reportedly angered the former Italian international, who is on the verge of ending his 24 year career.

Guardiola knows Maldini from his playing days in Italy, where he had stints with both Brescia and Roma in the early part of the decade.

"I'm experiencing a great joy, it's been a pleasure to win it in Roma, a hug to all Italians," he said in conclusion.

The Rossoneri legend’s last game at San Siro was unexpectedly marred by a protest from a section of the Curva Sud. What was behind it?

Milan captain Paolo Maldini led his side for the last time at San Siro yesterday in a Serie A match against Roma, but celebrations took a turn for the worse after the final whistle.

The 40-year-old was performing a lap of honour to say goodbye to his supporters, who have applauded him for 24 years; but as he ran past the Curva Sud he spotted a banner whose meaning was rather obscure to the majority of Calcio fans, but clearly hit home with Maldini.

“For your glorious 25-year career, heartfelt thanks from those you branded mercenaries and mangy,” read the banner, as a group of fans shouted the name of former club captain Franco Baresi, chanting “there is only one captain.”

Apparently the fans were referring to an episode that happened in the wake of the 2005 Champions League final, when Milan threw away a 3-0 lead against Liverpool before losing in a penalty shoot-out.

A group of ultras awaited the team’s return at Milan airport and Maldini allegedly reacted angrily at their protests, muttering the ‘incriminated’ words.

But there could be something else behind yesterday’s actions, as it has emerged that the Curva Sud Ultras had arranged an elaborate choreography to pay homage to the legendary skipper, but the club opted to be in charge of the celebrations and turned down their requests.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has often condemned the Ultras’ interference in the club’s affairs and it was no different this time around, with the club itself handing out scarves and gadgets to honour Maldini before the match.

But Ultras leader Giancarlo Capelli, nicknamed the ‘Baron’, dismissed accusations on Italian TV show Controcampo last night.

“It was not a protest,” he insisted. “We just wanted to make it clear what we thought about some of his comments and behaviour over the past years. We were not protesting against him at all.”

Galliani has praised Guardiola in relation to his Maldini comments after the Champions League win
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is singing the praises of Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola, who dedicated his side's Champions League win to Paolo Maldini.
The former Spain international had been following the recent storm of controversy after Maldini was heckled by his own fans during Sunday's San Siro farewell.
Subsequently, Guardiola had supportive words for the Milan man after the win over Manchester United on Wednesday night, insisting that the door at Camp Nou was always open to him.
Now, Galliani has decided to respond to the Blaugrana legend in kind.
"Guardiola is very kind, gentle and educated," Galliani told La Repubblica.
Guardiola's words of support came just hours after Maldini claimed he had not been supported by Milan in relation to the Ultras' tormenting. Galliani, though, did issue an open letter explaining why the club took no action, and he maintains his stance.
"I don't speak about these people [the Ultras]," added Galliani.
"And I did not speak with Maldini on Wednesday."