Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he had planned to purchase Italian legend Paolo Maldini from AC Milan and even went to see Paolo's father and agent, former AC Milan great Cesare Maldini with an offer.

However, family loyalty and a stern nod from his father prevented Paolo from moving to Manchester United.

Speaking at the launch event for the International Champions Cup in New York, Ferguson spoke on stage and said his Paolo's father -- former Italy boss Cesare -- gave the prospect of the all-time great left-back moving to Old Trafford short shrift.

"I did try [to sign Maldini] but when I met his father he was quite formidable, I got a shake of the head," Ferguson explained in a light-hearted exchange.

"He said, 'My grandfather is Milan, my father is, I am Milan, my sons are Milan. Forget it'."

In an interview earlier, the Scotsman said about Paolo: "He was the best. Period. He made his debut at 16 and played his last at 41. That tells you everything"

Ferguson bowed out having secured his final Premier League title at the end of the 2012-13 season.