2008-03-07 18:39:43 -

ROME (AP) - AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini may rethink his decision to retire at the end of this season and continue playing for another year with the Serie A team.
«I have still a lot of energy,» the 39-year-old defender said in an interview with Italy's Sky TV on Thursday. «You have to be consistent

with what you say, but those who never change their mind just because they said something are stupid.
Maldini said he was being urged to continue playing for another year and that his improving physical condition could make that possible.

«In these last months I haven't had much pain in my knees,» he said. «Last year, at the end of the season, I couldn't even bend them.
However, Maldini ruled out a return to Italy's national team for this year's European Championship. He retired from the «Azzurri» after the 2002 World Cup with 126 caps.