Maldini announces retirement plan
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini says he will end his illustrious playing career at the end of next season.
The 37-year-old defender, who has spent his entire career with Milan, told La Gazetta dello Sport: "I will stop in 2007 when my current contract expires."
Maldini, who made his Serie A debut in Milan's 1-1 draw against Udinese in January 1985, set a new Serie A record of 571 appearances earlier this season.
He also played 126 games for Italy between 1988 and 2002.
Maldini also revealed he turned down a move to Real Madrid to stay at the San Siro.
"Three years ago Real Madrid president Florentino Perez made me an offer, but I did not want to leave Milan," he added.
