AC Milan director Paolo Maldini is ready to stay next season.

The Rossonero great was expected to leave this summer after being cut out of the decision-making by chief exec Ivan Gazidis.

But with coach Stefano Pioli signing a new deal to 2022 this week, so ending Gazidis' attempts to replace him with Ralf Rangnick, Maldini is feeling vindicated and now is prepared to continue in his role.

The success of January signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Simon Kjaer, who has since signed permanently from Sevilla, has only strengthened Maldini's hand.

Tuttosport says he is now willing to stay and work with Gazidis - so long he is granted more independent powers.