AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has declared Thiago Silva will be his successor.

Maldini hangs up his boots at the end of the season and said: "I'm very happy and looking forward to these final weeks.

"My successor is Thiago Silva. He is a great defender, but he needs to grow and learn from (Beppe) Favalli."

Maldini added: "Everything tells me that (coach) Carlo Ancelotti will remain here. Buy three top players and Milan will be able compete with everyone."