Maldini calls for Milan to retain stars

Paolo Maldini believes AC Milan can give up on winning trophies next season if they sell Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Milan are looking to rebuild in the close season after finishing empty-handed in 2011/12.

Several long-term servants of the club are set to depart, with Alessandro Nesta, Filippo Inzaghi and Gennaro Gattuso among those heading for the exit.

Maldini feels Milan cannot afford to lose both Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic if they are to remain competitive, arguing they must retain at least one of their two genuine world-class performers.

“If you want to win something then you can’t do without Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic,” the former club favourite told Sky Sport Italia.

“If the objective is to balance the accounts and have a decent campaign, then you can sacrifice one of the two.”

As for the exodus of experienced players at Milanello, Maldini said he was sorry to see so many of his former colleagues depart.

“A lot of Italian football’s recent history is leaving,” the 43-year-old said.

“There is a bit of sadness, even if there is also happiness because of what we have seen them do in the past.”

Maldini, who made his Milan debut at the age of 16, spent his entire professional career with the club between 1985 and 2009, during which time he won seven Serie A titles and five European Cups.