AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini has turned down the offer of a one-off comeback to the Nazionale in a friendly with Northern Ireland on June 6, as a tribute to a remarkable career that ends this summer.
The 40-year-old ended his international career after the infamous Golden Goal exit to South Korea at the 2002 World Cup.
"No, I will not play a farewell game with the national team," Maldini said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I would like to thank the federation for expressing an interest.
"But I prefer to leave football with an official match because I am not a fan of farewell games."
The veteran defender will play his last game at Fiorentina on May 31, bringing to an end a 24-year career in Italy’s top flight.
He added: "I am living these last few games of my career in a calm way.
"I am preparing for my farewell from football without any regrets after almost 25 years in football.
"A different life awaits me."
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The 40-year-old ended his international career after the infamous Golden Goal exit to South Korea at the 2002 World Cup.
"No, I will not play a farewell game with the national team," Maldini said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I would like to thank the federation for expressing an interest.
"But I prefer to leave football with an official match because I am not a fan of farewell games."
The veteran defender will play his last game at Fiorentina on May 31, bringing to an end a 24-year career in Italy’s top flight.
He added: "I am living these last few games of my career in a calm way.
"I am preparing for my farewell from football without any regrets after almost 25 years in football.
"A different life awaits me."
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
