Alessandro Costacurta has confirmed he will retire in the
summer, but his fellow Milan team-mate Paolo Maldini is intending
to play on.
The pair have been mainstays of the Milan defence for the best part
of 20 years and are still performing at the highest level.
Costacurta has made just five appearances this term and the
40-year-old feels the time has come to switch his focus towards
management.
"I can officially say that within five months I'll stop playing
football," said Costacurta.
"In the past I've said I would have liked to become a coach, but
for next two or three years I'd like to grow under the
management."
Despite being plagued by a niggling knee injury, Maldini has made
16 starts this term and he is not yet ready to hang up his
boots.
"I'm happy with how things are going," Maldini told Gazzetta dello
Sport. "My physical conditions were the main problem.
"The situation is this: inside me, I want to continue. I still like
playing, training, working and I am in good condition.
"My wife pushes me to continue and I'm convincing myself about
this."
Maldini's present deal expires in the summer, but the 38-year-old
does not envisage a problem over agreeing fresh terms.
"My deal expires in the summer, but the signing has never been a
problem."