‘I couldn’t believe it!’ – Gerard Martin reveals how he received a shirt from Italy legend Paolo Maldini
The defender was gifted a signed shirt from an absolute legend.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Gerard Martin of Barcellona celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images Gerard Maldini has been a surprise star of the season for Barcelona and has even earned the nickname ‘Gerard Maldini’ due to his performances in defence. The 24-year-old also revealed recently that he’d been gifted a shirt from Italian legend Paolo Maldini and has now revealed the story behind the shirt and how his girlfriend made it happen.
“She thought it was a good idea and contacted a son of Paolo Maldini, told him the whole story and they sent us a shirt. I couldn’t believe it! I’m delighted to receive a shirt from a legend like him,” he told TV3.
“I never saw him play. I was very small. Also, when I was little, I didn’t pay much attention to center backs, more to the full-backs.
Now I’ll have to pay attention to the center backs! ” Martin started off at left-back for Barcelona but has moved inside and formed a strong partnership with Pau Cubarsi while Alejandro Balde has been injured.