Maldini fired up for last Milan derby

Reuters
Friday 13 February 2009 13:17 EST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini said ambitions to win one more league title have charged him up for Sunday's game against Inter Milan, his last derby before retirement.

Third-placed Milan need to close an eight-point gap on leaders Inter if Maldini is to add an eighth Serie A title to his huge honours collection, which also includes five European Cup-Champions League triumphs.

"Naturally my final derby is even more special," the 40-year-old told a news conference today.

"The beautiful thing is I'm playing with something important at stake. I still believe we can come back and this team can win the title."

Maldini will bring down the curtain on his career at the end of the campaign, having changed his mind about quitting last season. But he said there was no chance of another postponement.

"I'm happy I changed my mind last year. This year I've had very few physical problems," he said.

"But in June I'll be 41 and I think it's right for me to stop this season."

Maldini said Brazil playmaker Kaka, who looks set to skip Sunday's match with a foot injury, would be missed.

"Going in without your best player is undoubtedly a major handicap," said the defender.

Maldini also said he would like to see David Beckham stay, as the Italian club negotiate with Los Angeles Galaxy to extend the England midfielder's loan move or make it permanent.

"David has expressed his desire to stay and that is what the club want too," he said.

"I don't know how his contractual problems will be resolved but if they are resolved we'll be very happy to have him until the end of the season and next year too, being as that is what he wants.

"When two people meet and they are happy I think there should be a marriage."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in