Milan captain Paolo Maldini has signed a new contract committing himself to the Italian champions until 2006.

Last month the 35-year-old defender confirmed that his current contract contained a clause which allowed him to extend for another 12 monbths provided both parties agreed.

Maldini is in his 20th season with the Rossoneri. He made his debut in 1985 and since then has won 7 titles with Milan and four European Cups.

He retired from the international game in 2002 but there have been calls for him to be recalled to the Italy team for this summer’s EURO 2004 finals.