"The whole club are pushing for me to play another year," he told Sky Italia. "My knees are much better compared to three months ago and I'm playing at left-back, a role I haven't played for 10 years.

"I love this sport and I love to train and play. I still have plenty of energy. I know I should stick to what I originally said but only stupid people don't change their minds, just because of something they've said in the past."

Maldini also added credence to the rumours linking Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko with a return to the San Siro. "Shevchenko has already scored over 200 goals for Milan," he said. "The door will always be open to those who have served Milan well."