Former AC Milan star Alexandre Pato has urged his old club to stand by director Paolo Maldini.

After the dismissal of fellow football director Zvonimir Boban last month, it's been suggested Maldini could go the same way.

But Pato, now playing for Sao Paulo, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "The club has to let him work.

"He knows what this club means and is able to bring it back to the top."

On Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pato has no doubts about him staying.

"Milan must focus on him, he is too precious for the young players and is lethal in front of goal."