"In the future I see myself as a footballer. Anything else won't do. I want to be like Maldini and play until I am 40 and even older," Ronaldinho said.

Ironically, Ronaldinho was said to be contemplating retiring at the age of 29; a rumor that he categorically denied more than once.

Asked if he plans to end his career at Milan, Ronaldinho replied: "Why not?

"I am enjoying myself. I like this Milan. With the players that we have we can allow ourselves to play attacking football.

"And I like to dribble and to put a team-mate in a position from where he can score. I have never been a goalscorer. I prefer the assists. Seeing a team-mate score fills me with joy."

Ronaldinho has joined Milan from Barcelona in 2008.