Paolo Maldini crticises AC Milan and Juventus

Former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has criticised his former club and also hit out at Juventus before the two sides meet on Saturday.

The 43-year-old has been linked with a move back to the Rossoneri as part of the coaching staff at the club, but the Italian has dismissed the reports.

Maldini believes that he would be a "problem" for the Italian giants if he were to go back to the San Siro.

"I don't think I'll go back to Milan. I am seen as a problem because I have an independent mind," Maldini told Corriere dello Sport.

"The club's choices are perfectly legitimate, but let us avoid hypocrisy. They said 'he's one of us and is always welcome,' but that's not the truth."

Maldini also took the opportunity to swipe at Juventus' attitude on the pitch and admitted that Saturday's clash will be "decisive" in the league.

"As for Juventus, they need to stay calm as whining about every half-shout for a penalty isn't the kind of thing a big club does," he added.

"In order to beat them, you need pace. Had I been at Milan, I wouldn't have let Andrea Pirlo join Juventus, as he should have gone abroad to Chelsea. Tonight's game could be decisive for the Scudetto, if only in psychological terms."

Maldini retired in 2009 after 902 appearances for AC Milan since 1985.