Maldini turns down Chelsea offer

Paolo Maldini has turned down the chance to join Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.

The Times says the Chelsea manager had explored the idea of his former AC Milan team-mate and captain taking up a new position of general manager at the club, but Maldini, 40, is intent on taking a break from the game after ending his 24-year playing career last month and has no desire to leave Italy.

Ancelotti was concerned about being isolated in London after his former No 2, Filippo Galli, also chose to stay at the San Siro as an assistant to Leonardo, the new Milan coach. However, the Italian is now happy with the coaching structure at Chelsea and has no plans to recruit further.