Experienced midfielder Massimo Ambrosini will captain Milan against Empoli on Sunday and knows he is following in prestigious footsteps.

With veteran defender Paolo Maldini nearing recovery from a long-term injury, Ambrosini’s reign as team leader may be brief and he isn’t getting carried away.

“I’m very proud, but I don’t have any aspirations of living up to worldwide idols like Maldini and Franco Baresi,” he told Sky Sports Italia.

“I have to try and make the contribution I can because trying to repeat their achievements is a mountain to climb.”

Milan’s start to the campaign has been far from ideal, but the Rossoneri bounced back before the international break with a 5-1 win over Lazio.

“Have these been tough times? I think that things have been exaggerated as we are playing better than in previous years but the results are eluding us for various reasons,” Ambrosini insisted.

“Despite what some people say, we haven’t had our fill of success and we are still hungry.”

Having spent long periods with a watching brief during his time at the club, Ambrosini is able to empathise with Yoann Gourcuff and Dario Simic who are struggling to win first-team berths.

“I know as well as anyone that it is hard to be left out, but playing for a side like this gives you opportunities that you don’t get elsewhere,” he insisted.

“Milan won’t stand in the way of people who want to leave, but if I were them I would think carefully.”