Paolo Maldini Says Yes To Italy Comeback!

Legendary Milan and Italy defender Paolo Maldini admits he will return to play for the Azzurri after he heard of Goal.com's campaign to bring him back to La Nazionale for one last time...

Paolo Maldini has promised millions of fans around the world that he will wear the famous Italian jersey for one last time before he finally decides to hang up his boots.

Regular readers of Goal.com will know about our ambitious campaign to bring Maldini back into the Azzurri fold. Last week Goal.com spoke exclusively to Italy coach Marcello Lippi, who backed Il Capitano's return.

Maldini heard of the idea and he was asked by Milan Channel whether he would like one last shot. Amazingly, Il Capitano said yes.

"Wearing the Italy shirt again? Yes, it would be a pleasure. It would not be a return to the national team, but the perfect occasion to celebrate a long career with Italy, and I would be delighted to do this," Maldini stated.

"This is something which was born spontaneously and I didn't know anything about it [the Goal.com campaign].

"If and when there is the possibility of it happening then the decision will be down to Marcello Lippi as he will take into account the needs of the team. Also, the Italy fixture list is looking dense."

Italy play Brazil in a friendly in London next week and it could be the perfect occasion for Maldini to go out with a bang.

It remains to be seen whether the Rossoneri legend will turn out for Marcello Lippi at the Emirates, but fans around the world will, no doubt, be hoping that he does.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com