Rome  - Veteran striker Andriy Shevchenko has said he would like to stay on at AC Milan after his loan from Chelsea expires at the end of the season, the ANSA news agency reported Monday.

"My hope is to remain at Milan also in the next season," the 32-year-old Ukrainian international said. "At the moment, no decision has been taken."

Sheva left Milan in 2006 after seven seasons, helping the Devils win one Serie A title and one Champions League. He scored 173 goals on 296 donning the red-black jersey.

His two seasons at Chelsea were only partly convincing and the London club agreed to loan him back to Milan in the summer of 2008.

The return to Milan, however, has failed to improve his performance as Sheva scored two goals in the 22 games that he seldom played form the start.

He still has wide support from Milan fans, who forgave his farewell in 2006 and at the weekend showed a banner inviting coach Carlo Ancelotti to "have more respect for Sheva."

"I'd like to be more on the pitch," the striker said. "And if (the public) want it, it makes me happy.

"I'm going through a good moment. First the goal at Wembley (in London, where Ukraine lost 2-1 to England on Wednesday), then the assist (for Filippo Inzaghi in a 2-0 home league win over Lecce) last night.

"I'm happy about this. I want to keep going and give my best until the end of the season." (dpa)