Paolo Maldini has rejected the opportunity to join the coaching staff at Chelsea.

The Times revealed last month that Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, tried to lure his former AC Milan team-mate to Stamford Bridge, but Ancelotti confirmed yesterday that Maldini, who retired last month after a 24-year playing career, has chosen to take time out of the game.

Ancelotti's overtures to Maldini demonstrate his concern about being isolated in London after his former No 2, Filippo Galli, chose to stay at the San Siro as an assistant to Leonardo, the new Milan coach. Ancelotti spoke to Maldini on several occasions last month, but was unable to alter his opinion that a complete break from the game is the best thing for him.

The Italian insists that he is happy with the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge and that he will rely heavily on them as he learns English and adjusts to life in a new country. Ancelotti is well acquainted with Ray Wilkins, the assistant first-team coach, and will meet the remaining staff when he reports for duty for the first time today.

“I made that proposal to Maldini,” Ancelotti said. “But he wanted to take time off and after so many years playing, it's understandable. If I could have taken anyone to Chelsea it would have been him.”

Chelsea have yet to add to their squad this summer, but Ancelotti remains sanguine despite losing out on Kaká and continued frustration in the club's pursuit of Franck Ribéry from Bayern Munich.

Yuri Zhirkov will become the first signing of the Ancelotti era this week after Chelsea agreed an £18 million fee with CSKA Moscow for the left-sided Russia player. He will be followed by Daniel Sturridge, the Manchester City striker, and Ross Turnbull, the Middlesbrough goalkeeper.

Chelsea are still seeking a marquee signing, such as Ribéry, but admit that they cannot compete in the market with Real Madrid and Manchester United.

“The transfer market is really complicated,” Ancelotti said. “Following Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid [for £80 million], everything has gone mad.”