Maldini on course for Athens showdown
The 38-year-old has been taking things easy recently because of a niggling knee injury, casting a shadow over his participation in the showdown with Liverpool.
But he has now begun a personal training regime aimed at damage limitation to allow him to play for – and captain – Milan in their biggest game of the season in Athens.
“I am feeling well,” he said. “I am preparing myself well physically and I think in that department, Milan lead the way.”
In fact, the son of former Italy and Milan manager Cesare Maldini feels in such good shape, he is prepared to shelve any retirement plans and play on for another season.
“I have not signed anything yet, but I had a chat with (general manager) Adriano Galliani and we have decided I will continue,” he revealed.
“The contract is just lacking a signature and I don’t foresee any problems. I will undergo an operation to try and resolve the problem with my left knee in the summer and then I will prepare in September for what will be my last season.”
Following on in the family tradition, Paolo’s son Christian is also making strides in the game. At the age of 10, he is already a member of the Milan youth system, but there will be no pressure coming from his dad.
“He is not even 11 yet and so it is just for fun right now and certainly not a profession,” said Maldini.
“One thing is for sure, I will not be forcing him to do anything with his life that he does not want to do.
“But if he has the chance to have a life like mine, then I would say yes.”
Looking back on his own career, however, he will be perfectly placed to dish out advice.
“I have been fortunate enough to do exactly what I wanted to do and with a lot of success,” Maldini added.
“I think I have had a lot of ups and downs in my career to be honest.
“The one thing you can be sure of when you play for Milan, though, is that if you have a bad year, then the next will always see you return as protagonists.”
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