Maldini arrived in Japan with his Milan team-mates on Thursday as they prepare for the semi-finals of the competition, but he denied suggestions that he would hang up his boots upon the competition's completion next Sunday.

"I have a contract until August 2008," said the 39-year-old. "I'm in very good condition right now so I will not abandon the contract in the meantime."

Maldini is a two-time winner of the tournament in its previous guise as the Intercontinental Cup following successes in 1989 and 1990, but his most recent appearance in the competition was as part of the Milan team that lost to Boca Juniors in 2003.

That was the club's third loss in a row for Maldini and Milan following defeats in 1993 and 1994, while the veteran was also part of the Italy team that controversially lost to co-hosts South Korea at the 2002 World Cup finals.

"It's not a pleasant thing for me to think about those matches we have lost in the past," said the five-time European champion.

"We have been defeated by Boca Juniors in the recent past and that's the team I think about the most. As for the World Cup in 2002, I attended as a member of the Italy team and I also think back on those matches as well."

Maldini could have the opportunity to take revenge on Boca should both teams reach next week's final.

But first Milan must find a way past either Asian champions Urawa Reds, Waitakere United from New Zealand or Iran's Sepahan. Sepahan and Waitakere face off on Friday evening to determine who will meet Urawa, with Milan meeting the winner.

Boca, meanwhile, will play against the winner of the quarter-final between Tunisia's Etoile Sportive du Sahel and Pachuca from Mexico next Wednesday.