AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has revealed he's turned down several attempts by the Rossoneri for him to return.

Maldini hit out at Milan's management structure, claiming vice-president Adriano Galliani is now behind the times.

"I'll reveal to you that Leonardo wanted me at Milanello, even if I was just to stand there and show my presence. I told him there was no point in my turning up without a role. Galliani told me and Leo that a director of sport was no longer necessary in football, but I think there is a real need for one.

"Last year, Max Allegri called me and said he needed someone to keep an eye on him, to say whether he'd done something wrong tactically or in dealing with the locker room. He needed someone with the character to talk to the more important players in an authoritative manner. He thought that I, with my past, could do that.

"Anyway, I'd like to destroy this myth that I am 'one of the family' at Milan. They don't particularly want me there. I feel bitter, but not just for me - also for everything we created together that has fallen apart. It's the same sensation many of my ex-teammates have. I just want to give the magic back to Milan.

"I won more than anyone with this club and played more games than anyone, but I feel Milan have given me even more. I feel a debt of gratitude to Milan."