Maldini denies retiring after Club World Cup
AC Milan captain and defender Paolo Maldini has squashed rumours
that he would retire after the Club World Cup opening in Japan
Friday.
"I still have a contract with Milan until June of 2008 and
I am prepared to strictly follow it," he said Friday, the
day after the European Champions League and Super Cup winners
arrived here for the tournament of continental champions.
"I am in such good condition and I don't intend to give up the
contract before it expires," added the 39-year-old Maldini.
Italian media reported on Thursday that Maldini was considering
bringing forward his retirement, expected for the end of the
season, due to problems in both knees.
Maldini, who has won seven Serie-A titles, five Champions League
crowns and two Intercontinental Cups since joining Milan in 1985,
has struggled with his knees in recent years. He returned to play
last month after surgery.