The 39-year-old centre-back announced in December this would be his last season as a player after 23 years in the Rossoneri shirt.

But Maldini admits he is now considering a U-turn and staying on with Milan for the 2008/09 campaign.

"I still have lots of energy," Maldini said. "I realise you should stick with what you say, but on the other hand you'd also be stupid not changing your mind if the situation also changes.

"In recent months the pain in my knees has gone, and the club and its supporters would like to see me play for another season."

The veteran, who retired from the Italy national side shortly after the 2002 World Cup, underwent knee surgery last year and revealed a positive recovery has prompted him to consider an extended spell on the pitch.

"I have to admit that three months ago things were much worse than they were five months ago because of the surgery I had to my knees," he added.

"But now I'm fit and playing at left-back in a position I haven't played in for a long time."