MALDINI'S FINAL KNEES-UP

The defender missed Wednesday’s semi-final second leg against Manchester United after failing to recover from a knee injury he suffered in the first clash.

The absence of Maldini did not hinder the Rossoneri, who went on to win 3-0 at the San Siro to book a meeting with Liverpool in the final in Athens on May 23.

“Had we lost against United, I would have undergone knee surgery,” he said. “But I really want to try to play in the eighth Champions League final of my career.”

Maldini, 38, will be eager to lead his team out against Rafa Benitez’s men, hoping to avoid the same fortune he experienced in Istanbul in 2005, when Milan lost in a penalty shoot-out despite Maldini scoring the fastest goal in Champions League final history, 51 seconds after kick-off.

“I have thought about the final of Istanbul for at least a year, even though two years have gone by,” said Maldini.
“Liverpool are a team that have no fear and I hope to be available.”

Maldini is also ready to postpone his retirement for another year. “It would be great to lift the European Cup,” he said. “But I have every intention of playing on.”