Veteran defender Paolo Maldini has declared that the next season will be his last for AC Milan and that he wishes to play in at least another Champions League final.

The 38-year-old former Italy skipper, who has recovered from an injury recently, will lead the Rossoneri in May 23rd final against Liverpool in Athens – his eighth overall the same Real Madrid legend Paco Gento featured in.

Speaking to uefa.com, the Milan captain said: “I hope to play another after this one in Athens, because next season will surely be my last.”

On the verge of completing his 23rd season with Milan, Maldini admitted that he has won the matches which he deserved to win except the 2005 Champions League final when the Reds came from 3-0 down at halftime to win on penalties, which makes Wednesday’s affair a chance to take revenge.

“Facing Liverpool is an opportunity to take revenge, but we have nothing against them. During my career I have won most of the games I deserved to win. That night was not like that though, because we deserved to win and we didn't.

“They are a dangerous side, especially with (Steven) Gerrard and (Peter) Crouch, but we don't have to think about our opponents too much. We have to play our own game and then accept the result on the pitch.”

Milan, who have now made it to three finals in four years, according to Maldini, are
a club that values talent and that has been their secret of establishing themselves as the European giants.

“I think the secret is a completely different style of game and life in general. The whole club is different. This is the only club that keeps players even if they are over 35, looking at their talent without considering their age,” he said in the interview to uefa.com.

Maldini, who has never played for any other club than Milan, summed his love affair with the Rossoneri saying: “Milan is football for me. I have played for this club for my whole career, I was born in Milan, and my father (Cesare) had a great career with this team. For me, the word football means Milan.”

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