It will be a sad moment when he retires. Simply the best!

Never a truer word ...
:-)
A phenomenally great player, who had the love and loyalty to spend his entire career at one club. Arguably the greatest left back football has seen. Would surely push Carlos for a place in anyone's all time XI. Despite my nick here, I'd choose Maldini every time.
;-D
Took me ages to work out he was naturally right sided too.
:-)

He was more a center-back than a full-back though.

Very true. It was only the fact he had Costacurta and Baresi ahead of him that meant he 'make do' at left back. But never, as you say, a modern day marauding full back like a Zambrotta or a Roberto Carlos.
:-D
He'll always be remembered as a left back, but I agree that he always looked like a centre back playing that position.

I disagree. I think he will be remembered as a center-back.

Okay, maybe we should just stick to 'defender'. Heh heh.
:-D