A statement on the club’s website said that Maldini is set to play until 41.

"I had decided to give up, but as the club asked me to continue I spoke to the coach and my team mates and they agreed and I decided to carry on," Maldini said.

The 40-year old defender made his debut with the Rossoneri on January 20 1985.

He played over 1000 games winning five Champions League and European Cups, four European Super Cups, seven Serie A titles and five Super Cups.

AC Milan’s directors have announced that the club is going to abandon Maldini’s number 3 shirt after his retirement.