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Veteran Maldini may carry on playing

  • Story Highlights
  • AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini says he may change his mind over quitting
  • Maldini, 39, announced in December he would retire at the end of the season
  • Maldini has won seven Serie A titles and five Champions Leagues with Milan
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MILAN, Italy -- AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini says he may have a change of heart over retiring at the end of the season.

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Maldini has hinted he may extend his remarkable career with AC Milan.

Maldini, who will be 40 in June, announced in December that this would be his final campaign, but is now backtracking.

"I have still a lot of energy," the legendary defender said in an interview with Italy's Sky TV.

"You have to be consistent with what you say, but those who never change their mind just because they said something are stupid."

Maldini said he was being urged to continue playing for another year and that his improving physical condition could make that possible.

"In these last months I haven't had much pain in my knees," he said. "Last year, at the end of the season, I couldn't even bend them."

Maldini, who made his debut for the Italian giants in 1985, has won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League crowns with Milan.

But it has proved a disappointing season for Milan, who are struggling in Serie A and were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal last week as they defended their title.

Maldini, who retired from international football after the 2002 World Cup, has ruled out any return for the "Azzuri" with whom he won 126 caps. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

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