AC Milan director Paolo Maldini admits he'd like Zvonimir Boban to return to the club.

Boban was sacked after clashing chief exec Ivan Gazidis over his failed attempts to replace coach Stefano Pioli with Ralf Rangnick.

Maldini said, “The results we achieved post-lockdown are the fruit of planning that had already begin last year.

"It saddens me that Boban is no longer here, as he is a dear friend and we are a weaker club without him, but we are all trying to find common ground."

Meanwhile, Maldini cooled talk of moving for Fiorentina attacker Fede Chiesa.

“He is one of the best Italian young talents, but there has never been any negotiation between Milan and Fiorentina for Chiesa."