AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini said on Thursday he has not ruled out retiring before his contract runs out in 2007. The 37-year-old, who has spent 20 years with Milan and is Italy's most-capped player, admitted the thought entered his head a year ago and has not gone away.
"I thought about quitting when I renewed my contract a year ago," he said.
"The thought is there. It exists because I'm 37 years of age and sooner or later you have to quit. I even thought about this year when I started training.
"I was hoping six weeks on holiday would improve the situation, but in fact it has worsened.
"There are highs and lows in which a lot of thoughts go through my head. The thing that allows me to carry on is my body, which is still in good shape."
Maldini, a one-club player, made his debut for Milan in January 1985 and has won seven Italian league titles and four European Cups during his time there.
He retired from the international scene after making 126 appearances for the Azzurri.
Maldini missed Milan's 1-1 draw at Ascoli last Sunday due to a knee injury.