 Maldini will be gunning for his fifth Champions League title |
Paolo Maldini is to postpone a knee operation in a bid to play in his eighth Champions League final. The AC Milan skipper missed Wednesday's 3-0 semi-final, second leg win over Manchester United as he had an injury that was sustained in the first game.
But the 38-year-old is hopeful that he will be fit to face Liverpool in the showpiece final in Athens on 23 May.
Maldini said: "Had we lost against Manchester I would have had surgery but now I just want to play in the final."
The absence of the former Italy international did not hinder the Rossoneri, who trounced United 3-0 at the San Siro to line up a showdown with Liverpool.
 | Liverpool are a team that have no fear and I hope to be available |
But Maldini admits the chance to avenge his side's 2005 final defeat by Rafael Benitez's men has forced him to put his operation on hold.
Milan lost in a penalty shoot-out against the Reds in Istanbul, having given away a 3-0 half-time lead and with Maldini having scored the opener after only 51 seconds.
He added: "I have thought about the final of Istanbul for at least a year, even though two years have gone by.
"Liverpool are a team that have no fear and I hope to be available."
He also hinted that he is ready to postpone his retirement for another year, adding: "It would be great to lift the Champions League cup.
"But then there is the European Super Cup left to play and the Inter-continental final, so I would have every intention to continue to play."
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