Mentioning the Italian’s name immediately conjures a whole raft of characteristics. Indeed, few players embody hard work and determination quite like Gennaro Gattuso, who is celebrating his 39th birthday today.

Now working as manager of Serie B side Pisa, the former AC Milan midfielder still displays much of the same incandescent passion he did on the pitch from the touchline.

Although he initially played for smaller Italian clubs Perugia and Salernitana, as well as Scottish club Rangers, he is mostly remembered for his time with Milan in Serie A.

It was there his talismanic partnership with Andrea Pirlo guided them to Champions League glory in 2003 and 2007, the Coppa Italia in 2003, and also the Serie A title in 2004 and 2011.

In addition, he also won 73 caps for Italian in a remarkable career.

Other sport stars born on this day

1978: Chad Johnson, a former gridiron football wide receiver and was a six-time NFL Pro Bowler (39).

1980: Sergio Garcia, Spanish golfer who has won over 20 tournaments, including The Players Championship (37).

1987: Lucas Leiva, is a defensive midfielder for Liverpool and Olympic bronze medalist with Brazil (30).

1993: Katarina Johnson-Thompson, is Great Britain’s heir to Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon throne (24).