AC Milan chief Paolo Maldini admits a first season as a director has left him worn out.

Maldini has an offer to increase his responsibilities from the club.

He told Rolling Stone: “Let's just say that I've had to pay for the nine years of rest all in one go! Maybe it's the only way I know how to approach any job, and I've only had two in my life as player and director, but I found this experience really very tiring.

“It is certainly more difficult than my career as an athlete. When I was a player, the training session would end and I'd have time to spend with my family. A director, on the other hand, never switches his mind off the job. And the phone can ring at any moment.

“There's tension when you play in a Final, obviously, but for those like me who started out as players, the life of a director is far more stressful.

“This is also a profession all about relationships, which can be a strain, whereas before you only had to focus on football. I'll be honest, sitting in an office was never the objective of my life. Returning to the Milanello training ground and participating in the life of the team, on the other hand, was wonderful.

“I think what a player did on the field remains forever, especially in a club with such a strong sense of belonging as Milan. This helped me. However, the fans always expect a return to the glories of old and are by their very nature demanding.

“There's nothing to say a good player will automatically make a good director."