Looks Like One More Year For Paolo Maldini

It’s been a rough week for the Milanisti, with their disastrous performance in Napoli having an equally disastrous effect on their Champions League hopes. Now sitting in 5th, they will pin their hopes on Torino, who, unfortunately, are not all that good, and must be very good to beat Fiorentina. Not helping matters is the report that Gennaro Gattuso, easily a fan fave, may have decided for a chance abroad while still hovering around his prime.

This may not ease all their sorrows, but it’s damn sure a big start: Paolo Maldini is basically saying he’ll return for one more go around and that the extension will be signed next week.

“In a week I’ll meet with Galliani to renew my contract.”

“My decision definitely does not depend on whether we play in the Champions League instead of the UEFA Cup.”

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“Mostly [my decision] depends on my physical condition, which is better than at the start of last season.

“The players, directors and coaches have asked me outright if we could carry on for another year together, but above all the decision will come down to whether my desire to play football is still there.”

I don’t think there’s anything more painful than watching an icon hang on too long, and the peninsula got their full share of this two weeks ago watching Bobo Vieri, who’d seemed to have enjoyed something of a resurgence, suddenly have his career die before our very eyes against Rangers.

Thankfully, this isn’t the case with Maldini. The man has been absolutely phenomenal at times this year, and when healthy, is still one of the top defenders on the planet, even approaching 40.

Opposing attackers may not like it, but that’s too bad. And really, who doesn’t want to see some more of this?

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Category: Serie A