Retiring Milan legend Paolo Maldini is upset with the protests that overshadowed his final appearance at the San Siro.

Members of the Milan Ultras held up a large banner as the 40-year-old defender did a lap of honour at the end of Milan's 3-2 defeat to AS Roma last week.

"I was a wounded man," Maldini, who helped Milan win the Champions League (formerly the European Cup) five times during his career.

"The stadium was full of families and 70,000 people who were cheering me. It's a shame those 500 ruined the party."

The former Italy captain, and the country's most capped player, was also unhappy with the lack of public support shown by the club.

"The club's silence (disappointed me)," he said.

"I didn't like it that no one took a position. From the president (Silvio Berlusconi) down, not one of the directors said a word. I think a club like Milan should disassociate itself from certain episodes."

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani replied to Maldini's comments with an open letter on the club's website, stating that they thought silence was the best way to combat this type of behaviour.

The possible root of the protests may have stemmed from Maldini's heated exchange with fans at the airport returning from the club's 2005 Champions League final loss to Liverpool or his 2007 comments criticising some Ultras for failing to support the team.

Milan need at least a point this weekend against Fiorentina to guarantee their place in next season's Champions League. A loss by one goal may suffice if second-place Juventus draw or win against Lazio.

Sunday's match may also be the last for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is linked with a move to Premier League side Chelsea.