Nesta determined to play on

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has stressed he has no intention of quitting professional football any time soon.

A number of reports earlier this season suggested Nesta, who turns 36 in March, could hang up his boots at the end of the 2011-12 campaign.

But the veteran centre-back has stated that he wants to continue playing beyond this season.

“I am not thinking about retiring. I have no desire at all to hang up my boots yet,” Nesta told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former Italy international then went on to discuss his side’s title chances, and affirmed his belief that Milan are the favourites to win the Scudetto.

“I am convinced that we will win a major trophy this season. We are the favourites to win the Serie A title, and are among the favourites to win the Champions League, too,” he said.

Milan currently sit joint first in the Serie A table with Juventus on 34 points from 16 games. They will meet Arsenal in the round of 16 of the Champions League.