Maldini signs new contract

Paolo Maldini has officially extended his Milan career until June 30, 2009, announced the club.


The 40-year-old captain had originally stated he would retire at the end of the 2007-08 campaign, but reconsidered despite injury problems.


This evening the Rossoneri released an official statement confirming that Maldini had put pen to paper on a new contract “until June 30, 2009.”


It was not an entirely unexpected decision, as earlier today general manager Adriano Galliani had hinted a deal was in the offing.


“I hope Paolo will accept the club’s proposal. I sponsored him to continue playing. It all depends on Paolo, the decision is down to him.”


The new contract extends a glorious career that has seen Maldini notch up over 1,000 official games between Milan and Italy.


He made his Serie A debut as a 16-year-old in the 1-1 draw away to Udinese on January 20, 1985.


By the time this new deal expires, Maldini will be aged 41 with 25 top flight campaigns under his belt.

Channel 4