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Italian vice champion veteran defender announced that despite his age, he promises to play for a few more years and end his player career in 2007 when his contract with the club expires.
The 37-year-old legendary Cesare Maldini's son has achieved numerous victories during his almost 20-year career, but claims that his motivation and desire to play for the "red and black" are still as strong as ever.
"I will retire in 2007 when my contract ends. I enjoy every day, still have a desire to work hard and maintain my athletic form, and I am very attached to the Milan club. I cannot imagine life without football and I intend to continue my career," said the long-time captain of the Milan team.
Representing the Italian national team 126 times and having already ended his career there, P. Maldini in recent years shows no signs of aging and due to his excellent performance, he is one of the candidates to win the "Golden Ball" - the award for the best European footballer next month.
However, the player himself, who this season is still regularly in the starting lineup of the team coached by Carlo Ancelotti due to his great contribution to Milan's game, believes that winning this prize may be hindered by the fact that the team did not win any titles last season.
"It is very pleasant to be on the list of candidates, but I do not think this was one of my best seasons. Also, I believe that such awards are given to players who have won important trophies, and probably no one will soon forget Istanbul," said P. Maldini, referring to last season's Champions League final in Istanbul, where despite his own goal and two goals from H. Crespo, Milan squandered their advantage and lost to Liverpool in the penalty shootout.
