Paolo Maldini insists he wants to play his 1,000th game before retiring and urged Milan to scrap the traditional Italian pre-match ritiro.

“If I feel good, then I’ll keep on going,” the 38-year-old told the 'Gazzetta dello Sport'. This is his record 23rd Serie A season, all with the Rossoneri, and his contract expires in June, 2007.


“The last problem between Milan and myself is the signature on a bit of paper. Now I am not remotely convinced I’ll retire at the end of the term. My only concern is whether I can play consistently and, if I can, then I will continue.”


Few deserve the title of ‘living legend’ more than Maldini, who first pulled on this club’s jersey in Serie A on January 20, 1985.


He managed only 14 League appearances last season due to a recurring right knee problem, but finally seems to be back on track.


“I am physically fine and the recovery plan we set out after the operation in April has been respected. I won’t set a date for a decision over my retirement, as I’ve no rush. I love Milan and my work, while the club has faith in me. When I got injured I never thought about retiring early, I just focused on recovery and that’s what I’m doing now.”


The captain has already made history with a record 126 Italy caps and 585 Serie A appearances, but has a new target.


“I have played 962 official games in my career and I’m aiming for the 1,000. It won’t be easy to reach it before the end of May, but I’d really like to hit that milestone without having to wait for next season.”


Maldini is the ‘senator’ of the Milan locker room and revealed a request that could change Italian football.


The defender was pleased with Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s proposal to scrap the pre-match hotel stays that are common in the peninsula to help players focus on the game without outside distractions.


“We talked about it and are aware it could be a very important chance for us. The team is ready, the club is ready. The only doubts are to do with the media and fans around us, as the first defeat would immediately be blamed on the lack of a ritiro.


“We’ve nothing to prove, as in 2003 we won the Coppa Italia without a single ritiro. Our idea is to make it voluntary – those who want somewhere quiet to sleep the night before can stay at the Milanello camp, those who prefer to spend it with their families can do that.”

Football Italia

Name one dumbass !!

Paolo ole !!

i hope he reaches 1000 too. FORZAAAA MALDINI

Maldini .. It's a peeble stop for him to reach 1000 Official games ..

Grande Paolo

hope he makes 2000billion games with MILAN !!!!!!