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Thiago Silva has credited AC Milan legends, and former teammates, Paulo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta for helping him become the top defender he is today.

Silva, at the start of his career, had the privilege of playing alongside Maldini and Nesta at AC Milan.

The pair have since hung up their boots, with Maldini retiring at 41, and Nesta, at 37, and according to Silva, his time with them contributed largely to his growth and longevity.

“Meeting Maldini sparked something in me,” the Chelsea defender told The Guardian. “I was 24 when I arrived and looking at him made me think: ‘The way I look after myself – I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t miss my sleep – means I can reach Maldini’s level.’” He pauses for an instant smiles to say. “Age level I mean of course, not performance level. There is only one Maldini.

“He certainly changed my mentality. Not just him, but Alessandro Nesta as well. Nesta was a teacher for me in training. He had just come back from an operation, which made it a bit difficult for him, but he had me who could run around and help him.

“He told me where to go and I’d go. I did it with great pleasure because I always liked his way of being, his way of training and especially his quality. I realised that by playing with him I was going to learn a lot.”