It's been sensationally revealed that AC Milan asked Paolo Maldini to come out of retirement for the remaining games of the season. Corriere della Sera says a fortnight ago, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, upon learning that Alessandro Nesta would not play again this term, approached Maldini about playing the final seven games of the campaign.

Maldini, while flattered, was shocked by the proposal, having not kicked a ball in anger for over ten months since officially hanging up his boots.

For his part, Milan coach Leonardo was interested in the prospect, having stressed to club directors the importance to end their rift with the Rossoneri legend.

Galliani's approach, while appearing desperate, is also being viewed as a positive move with the hope that Maldini will return to the club in a front office capacity after falling out with directors over his treatment last season.