We've got a guide full of information about the best places to shop for AC Milan items online - shirts, jerseys, training tops, jackets etc., with shopping sites ranked based on the quality they offer to an AC Milan fan. Go read it now at our AC Milan shopping page!
AC MILAN BLOG
Read our AC Milan blog for the best AC Milan related commentary, rants, articles and more.
Christian Abbiati will reportedly ask for a contract extension at Milan before the 2012-13 campaign kicks off.
The Rossoneri have a policy of only discussing the contracts of players over the age of 30 in the final few months of their agreements.
However, according to speculation on Thursday, the 34-year-old goalkeeper is keen to sort out his future before next May.
The former Torino, Juventus and Ateltico Madrid man is presently tied to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza outfit until June 2013.
Abbiati, 34, is still the first choice with the Diavolo ahead of 2006 World Cup winner Marco Amelia. Abbiati played in 31 League games this term and nine Champions League ties.
Milan are being linked with two defenders – Palermo left-back Federico Balzaretti and Cristian Zapata of Villarreal.
The Italian international, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport, is of interest to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza outfit.
The club have been linked with the former Juventus player in the past, but netting the stopper could be problematic.
Palermo have insisted on numerous occasions that the player will remain in Sicily unless Paris Saint-Germain make an offer, seeing as his wife works in the French capital.
Meanwhile, the Corriere dello Sport is suggesting that Milan are pondering a swoop for Colombian international Zapata.
The latter is available for transfer after Villarreal were relegated this term and he could be netted for just €6m – he was signed less than a year ago for €9m.
The 25-year-old knows Serie A well given that he spent six years with Udinese before his move to Spain last summer.
Juventus have also been paired with the centre-back.
Pato and Thiago Silva score for Brazil 31.5 ||webmaster
Didac Vila is hoping for an opportunity to prove himself at Milan during the 2012-13 campaign.
The Spanish defender joined the Rossoneri in January 2011, but he played just once for the club before he was allowed to join former side Espanyol again on loan last summer.
“We’re waiting to sit down with Milan to evaluate the boy’s future,” agent Raul Jimenez Verdu told Milan News.
“Didac has just had an excellent season and was the most used outfield player in La Liga. He missed just one game and scored three goals.
“However, his relationship with Espanyol is now over.”
Vila may be recalled to San Siro given that he could slot nicely in at left-back given the departure of Gianluca Zambrotta.
“Didac would like to return to being a Milan player,” the representative added. “However, he knows of how tough it would be for him to find room in such an important team.”
Verdu concluded the interview by admitting that the Spanish Under-21 international could again be loaned out to a smaller club.
Roberto Mancini has suggested that Manchester City won’t be bidding for Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Gaston Ramirez this summer. “I have four very strong attackers.”
The newly-crowned English champions have been pushed in recent weeks with a return to the Italian market to reinforce their squad for next year.
Milan’s Ibrahimovic has previously been linked with a move to the club, whilst Bologna’s Ramirez has an offer from an English club, according to his agent. However, neither are on Mancini’s agenda.
“Zlatan is a champion, but I have four very strong attackers,” the Coach told reporters on Wednesday.
“They measure up to those in the Champions League. Nothing is true. And that of Ramirez? He is a good, young player with great potential. In attach, though, we are OK.”
The manager also commented on where he believes his long-term future in the game lies.
“I miss Italy, as do all those who emigrate. But for now I’m very happy where I am and I have still not received any offer from Serie A.
“In Manchester we have changed history by breaking the hold of United. We have done well in a short space of time to win the Premier League inside two years.”
Mancini’s attention was then turned to compatriot Roberto Di Matteo’s work with Chelsea this season, where he won the FA Cup and Champions League after taking over from Andre Villas Boas.
“He took a difficult situation and managed it with great intelligence. Did he win by playing in the Italian way? The Germans say that they have always suffered with our football.
“I’ve read that Abramovich has still not confirmed Roberto as manager. In three months he has won the FA Cup and Champions League, what more could he do? Nothing more.”
Italian Prime Minister suggests Serie A suspension 29.5 ||webmaster
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has suggested that Serie A should be suspended for two to three years, in reaction to the latest match-fixing scandal.
Several players were arrested on Monday as part of police raids across the country and homes and offices searched as the investigations into a betting probe in the peninsula accelerates.
When asked his opinion on the scandal that has hit Italy’s Euro 2012 preparations, Monti offered a drastic solution.
“It's particularly sad when a world which should be an expression of the highest values - sport, youth, competition, fairness turns out to be a mass of foul play, falsehood and demagoguery,” the 69-year-old told reporters on a trip to Poland, one of the co-hosts for this summer’s UEFA tournament.
“I’m not making a proposal, much less one that comes from government, but it is a desire that sometimes - even though I was very passionate about football so many years ago - I feel inside me - if it would help, then for two or three years it might be an idea to have a total suspension of the game.”
Clarence Seedorf has opened the possibility to remaining at Milan next season, despite previously seeming very close to a South American switch.
The Dutchman has been widely expected to be among the high profile names to depart San Siro this summer and in recent days reports indicated that a switch to the Brazilian League was on the cards.
However, when asked of his future today, the midfielder denied any decision has been taken yet.
“I have not yet decided on my future, but I will keep playing,” confirmed the 36-year-old to Sky Sport Italia.
“Where will I play? I have not decided yet, but it could also be here in Milan.”
France include Mexes for Euro 2012 29.5 ||webmaster
Mathieu Flamini has reportedly received an improved offer of a new contract by Italian giants Milan.
The Rossoneri player is available to leave the club on a Bosman transfer this summer given his expiring deal.
Earlier this month the club tabled an initial offer of a renewal, but, according to Mediaset, they’ve now increased their bid.
The Frenchman, 28, presently earns €4.5m at the club – only Zlatan Ibrahimovic nets more – but the Diavolo want to slash his wages by over 50 per cent.
According to reports, Milan are prepared to give the former Arsenal man a two-year deal worth just under €2m a campaign.
If Flamini accepts those terms then it is likely that Milan will not make an offer to Liverpool to keep Alberto Aquilani. The latter spent this season on loan at San Siro.
Ambrosini believes in new AC Milan 28.5 ||webmaster
Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini insists the club will still be competitive despite some high profile departures this summer.
The likes of Pippo Inzaghi, Mark Van Bommel, Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta and Gianluca Zambrotta have left at the end of their contracts.
Clarence Seedorf and Mathieu Flamini could also follow them through the exit at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“This change that we’re experiencing now is bigger than ever before,” the midfielder told the Corriere dello Sport.
“Now we’re at a crucial turning point – the most important one that I can remember since I’ve been here at Milan.
“The players that left Milan in the past all left one at a time. This time a number have left simultaneously and quality-wise those players are of a special type.
“However, Milan have shown before that they can carry on without the likes of great players like Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka. I am convinced that we will be able to continue winning.”
Milan, who failed to lift any silverware this season, handed the former Vicenza player a new one-year contract recently.
He’ll be joined in the squad by Riccardo Montolivo, the Italian international who has arrived on a free from Fiorentina.
“It would be dangerous to give Montolivo too much responsibility in his first season here at Milan,” added the veteran.
“You can’t ask Montolivo for a lot. You don’t obtain or reach important things quickly.
“New players? Currently, nobody knows what the club’s plans are for the transfer market…”
Although the Diavolo finished the campaign empty-handed, he insists that the season was not a failure.
“We achieved what was asked from us, although we know that we could have done better. Champions Juventus played better than us, but we still could have won the Scudetto.
“We lost the Italian championship in the Champions League matches against Barcelona because of mental fatigue.
“In that period we only collected two points from the three games with Catania, Fiorentina and Bologna.”
The agent of Milan target Francesco Acerbi has rejected talk that Inter and Juventus have also made a move for the defender.
“I’ve heard these reports too, but neither Inter nor Juventus have made contact with me,” Andrea Cattoli told Tutto Juve.
“Suggestions that an auction is about to start for his services seems a little exaggerated to me. A lot of clubs like him, but there won’t be a bidding war.”
The 23-year-old has been a revelation at Chievo in the second half of this season and talks with Milan have already taken place.
“He’s had an excellent campaign where he has proved to be one of the best Italian defenders around,” the representative added.
“Milan have made a move and it would be fantastic to play for the Rossoneri, but his co-ownership status between Chievo and Genoa needs resolving first.”
Acerbi, formerly of Reggina, scored one goal in 17 Serie A appearances this season. He is still just 23-years-old.
Agent confirms Dossena - AC Milan talks 27.5 ||webmaster
Andrea Dossena’s agent confirms he discussed the Napoli winger’s future with Milan, although “there has not been a formal offer.”
The wide man has struggled for playing time at the San Paolo this season and also struggled with injury.
“I had contact with Adriano Galliani as I also represent Stephan El Shaarawy, but inevitably we also talked about Dossena,” Roberto La Florio told Radio Sport 24.
“There has not been a formal offer, as we just discussed things.”
Dossena turns 31 in September and joined Napoli in January 2010 after a disappointing two-year spell at Liverpool.
AC Milan to hand Merkel back to Genoa 27.5 ||webmaster
Milan will loan Alexander Merkel back to Genoa next season, confirmed Rossoblu director of sport Stefano Capozucca.
“Merkel is certainly a young player who is worthy of a top club, but right now he needs to play consistently so he can further improve.
“Next season he will definitely be playing for Genoa, as he has already shown that he can put in some important performances with this jersey.”
The 20-year-old midfielder is currently co-owned by the two clubs, as Milan sold half his contract to Genoa as part of the Stephan El Shaarawy transfer.
However, Merkel returned to Milan for six months in January when they were going through an injury crisis.
It did not help, as the German picked up an injury almost immediately and barely got to feature.
Pippo Inzaghi has left the door open to continuing his Serie A career at Fiorentina. “It is a splendid city and I’ve received several offers. We’ll see.”
The 38-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Milan was allowed to expire and was in Florence today to take part in a charity event.
“I came here to enjoy the beauty of Florence and also take part in the coaching course at Coverciano,” he told CalcioNews24.
“The future? My agent has presented several offers that I’ve received, but we haven’t really discussed it in depth yet.
“Fiorentina? As I said, Florence is a splendid city. We’ll see what happens.”
Gennaro Gattuso’s agent has suggested Juventus sign him and fellow ex-Milan teammate Maxi Lopez. “It’d be a bargain.”
The Bianconeri built much of their Scudetto success on Andrea Pirlo, who was signed on a free transfer after 10 years at San Siro.
Now agent Andrea D’Amico has told Tuttosport that Juve should continue along this path in future too.
“Could Gattuso join Pirlo at Juve? I haven’t spoken to them yet, but I can guarantee anyone who signs Gattuso will be getting a bargain.
“He has rediscovered exceptional fitness levels and in 23 years of my career I’ve never known a player with his ability to bring grit and determination to a squad.”
However, Gattuso stated this week that he will not play for another Italian club.
This isn’t the only Rossoneri man on the horizon, as Tuttosport suggests Maxi Lopez is a valid alternative to Siena’s Mattia Destro.
Milan confirmed they will not take up their option to buy Maxi Lopez from Catania after his six-month loan spell.
Fiorentina and Lazio are also showing an interest in the Argentine striker.
Thiago Silva: 'AC Milan need to spend' 27.5 ||webmaster
Thiago Silva has joined Zlatan Ibrahimovic in demanding new signings. “To win, Milan need quality reinforcements.”
Ibra raised eyebrows this week on international duty in Sweden when he stated the Rossoneri had “no money” to buy the five top players they need this summer.
Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traoré have arrived, but they were free transfers from Fiorentina and Nancy.
“Ibra and I want the same thing, which is for Milan to win,” the Brazilian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“This season it was so-so, therefore to win we need quality reinforcements...”
However, the defender linked with Manchester City and Barcelona has shot down transfer rumours.
“This club is my home. I feel great and have been embraced here. Adriano Galliani said it clearly: ‘You are not for sale, you’re not leaving here.’
“I was pleased to have it confirmed that I am fundamental for this team. I want to stay here and I dream of becoming a ‘bandiera’ for the club like Alessandro Nesta was. I don’t see where the problem is...
“Before going on international duty with Brazil, I spoke to Galliani. He made me feel important and told me to relax on my future. I am perfectly relaxed.
“Could I become captain one day? It would be fantastic and I’d be ready for that.”
Thiago Silva missed the last two months of the season due to muscular problems, but has recovered and played in a friendly against Denmark.
“I am in good shape and played well. I couldn’t wait to get back on to the field. The injury was my fault, as the Coach and fitness staff did not rush my recovery. I wanted to play against Roma at all costs, despite the fact I was not in the best condition, and I hurt myself badly.
“Going back, I would not make the same decision and maybe our season might’ve been different.”
Many look to losing Thiago Silva as the key moment in Milan’s season, as they were without their star defender in the Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona and the closing stages of the Scudetto race.
“To say I have regrets is an understatement. I am still furious at how things went and ask myself how it was possible to lose a Scudetto that way. We had a four-point advantage and finished up four points behind Juventus.
“We’ll make up for it next season. Right now I want to win the Olympics with Brazil, then the Champions League would be the ultimate.”
Muntari 'with AC Milan for two years' 26.5 ||webmaster
Sulley Ali Muntari has a deal to stay “with Milan for the next two years,” said his agent. “The contract is a pure formality.”
The midfielder arrived in January on loan from rivals Inter and immediately settled in, even scoring some rare goals.
“Muntari will continue together with Milan for the next two years,” Federico Pastorello told MilanNews.
“The renewal is a pure formality and there will be no problems. Milan will make the announcement soon. The lad was able to talk to Vice-President Adriano Galliani before the end of the season, so he was reassured.
“When I was given the mandate to sell the player, I spoke to the lad and realised he wanted to gain experience and have satisfying moments after the problems he had with Inter.
“In that sense Galliani realised the good opportunity that was falling into his lap. He thought that Sulley had quality, but also great motivation, and that made the difference.”
Antonio Nocerino tells Italy they “are a good side and don’t need to worry” about facing Spain in their Euro 2012 opener.
The Azzurri begin Group C against the reigning World and European Champions on June 10, followed by matches with Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
“Our objective is to do our best. We start off to go as far as possible, even if at the moment we don’t know what that is,” said Nocerino in today’s press conference.
“We are a good side and don’t need to worry about facing Spain. We already faced them in the past and must respect Spain, but also be aware of what we can do. I think others ought to respect us too.”
Nocerino was surprisingly Milan’s second top scorer in Serie A this season and could be a secret weapon for Italy too.
“I don’t know, I don’t really feel the pressure to get goals. I always try to put myself at the disposal of the club and my national team, so if the goals come then it’s even better. It is pleasing to score, especially as they are somewhat unexpected coming from me, but my objective is the collective.”
The midfielder has taken over from Gennaro Gattuso at San Siro and was asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s suggestions Milan have no money for new buys.
“Milan are a great side with excellent players who have made history in Italy and Europe. I am proud and very happy to be part of the club and don’t want to talk about other issues.”
Adriano Galliani confirms Milan are interested in Belgium international Axel Witsel, “but we are not in negotiations for him.”
This is not the first time the Rossoneri have been linked with the 23-year-old Benfica midfielder.
“I can only say that Witsel is a player we like a great deal, but at this moment we are not in negotiations for him as a potential signing,” Vice-President Galliani told O’Jogo.
“Is he too expensive for the Rossoneri funds? This is not something I intend to talk about.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic raised eyebrows on Friday by stating that Milan had no money to sign big players.
Witsel’s price-tag is thought to be in the region of €25m and he is also of interest to Real Madrid, PSG and Chelsea.
Allegri: 'Ibrahimovic and T. Silva won't go' 26.5 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri has assured President Silvio Berlusconi “promised Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t leave Milan.”
The Rossoneri narrowly missed out on a second consecutive Scudetto, but there are reports the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City want to tempt away their top stars.
“Anything can happen on the transfer market from here to August – except for them leaving,” the Coach told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I talked it over with President Berlusconi and he promised Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic won’t leave Milan.
“We need those two, but also Alexandre Pato. Next season has to be his year.”
Allegri drew a great deal of criticism for letting Andrea Pirlo quit on a free transfer last summer, especially as he became the crucial figure at title-winning Juventus.
“It was a decision also made by Andrea and the club. If Juve hadn’t won the Scudetto then you journalists wouldn’t have gone on and on about this story. Last year Pirlo didn’t play because he wasn’t in good shape, but we won the title and nobody complained then.
“It is also not true that I dislike quality in my teams. We field four attacking players usually, plus Antonio Nocerino who is more of an attacking midfielder than a defensive one.
“We lost the title this season because we had a dip after the Barcelona game and we also lost against Fiorentina. I’m sure I made mistakes too, but we missed too many important players.”
Allegri has also been accused of not communicating enough with his players, but insists they need to look at themselves first.
“Unfortunately, when you are a player then sometimes one word isn’t enough. Nor are two or a hundred. It’s difficult for a player to be self-critical, but I evaluate the game and the rest is of no interest to me.
“Milan don’t need a revolution. As for the veterans leaving us, talent is not infinite and you don’t go on to the field holding the trophies you’ve already won in the past. If time didn’t pass, we’d still be in the Colosseum with lions.”
The tactician got into a war of words with Juventus Coach Antonio Conte and director general Beppe Marotta this season, particularly over refereeing errors and the tone of the debate.
“I had no argument with anyone and don’t need to shake anyone’s hand,” insisted Allegri. “I was angry because I lost the Scudetto and I still am. The rest was just jokes. Marotta is very easily offended.”
Ibrahimovic 'shares AC Milan's transfer strategy' 26.5 ||webmaster
Agent Mino Raiola rushed to calm the storm after Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Milan have no money. “He is totally in sync with the club and will not leave.”
The striker caused shockwaves on Friday in a press conference on international duty with Sweden when he openly criticised the Rossoneri’s transfer strategy.
“Milan’s problem is economic. There is no money to buy five players, or even the ones we need. We made a couple of signings, maybe there will be a third.”
Naturally this upset the club hierarchy and Vice-President Adriano Galliani urged agent Raiola to do some damage limitation.
“There are four or five sides who want him, but Zlatan is staying at Milan,” Raiola told Sky Sport Italia.
“He is totally in sync with the club and will not leave. Ibra didn’t want to say that the club has no money, as he was trying to get at something different... He was referring to football in general and the way the financial crisis is starting to affect the sport.
“Ibra knows that Milan cannot afford to sign five top class champions, because nobody can at the moment.
“Ibra is not quitting Milan, we are certain of that. Zlatan spoke to Galliani a few days ago and there are no problems. Now Zlatan is focused on Euro 2012 with Sweden, as he went on international duty safe in the knowledge Milan do not want to sell him and he does not want to leave.
“This team has helped bring back the smile to this lad and he is prepared to marry their project. Could he be the captain in future? Only if the club ask him to be. You can be a captain even without the armband.
“As for rumours of problems with Massimiliano Allegri, there’s nothing to report and it’s not true the situation is complicated. There is respect between Zlatan and the Coach.”
Juventus 'behind in Verratti race' 25.5 ||webmaster
Pescara have warned Juventus that there are “several clubs ahead of them, including Milan,” in the race to sign Marco Verratti.
The teen has been called up to Italy’s training camp ahead of Euro 2012 as part of the 32-man long list, but until now it was believed he’d either join Juve or remain at Pescara.
“There are several clubs ahead of Juventus, including Milan,” Pescara director of sport Daniele Delli Carri told Tuttojuve.com.
“I don’t want to name the other sides, but there are some foreign ones too from the Premier League, Liga and Bundesliga.
“The Bianconeri want to sign the player, but the last approach from them was two months ago. There haven’t been any other calls since then.
“Verratti has always said he is a Juventus supporter and his intentions will of course be taken into consideration, but let’s remember we are not talking about a 28-year-old who can afford to accept Juve and turn down Inter or Milan, for example.
“He is 19 and is not in that position. I would like to underline that Pescara want to keep Verratti with us next season too.”
Gennaro Gattuso cannot sign for Glasgow Rangers, but insists he has “already given my absolute disposal” to the troubled Ibrox club.
The midfielder’s contract with Milan expires this summer and he has confirmed he won’t remain in Serie A.
“My adventure has finished in Italy. After 13 years at Milan I really don’t feel ready to wear another jersey,” the 34-year-old told Rai Sport.
“I have already given my absolute disposal to Glasgow Rangers. That is where it all started for me and my wife’s family still lives there too.
“At the moment they cannot sign players because they are under administration.”
It is not clear how Gattuso hopes to get around the transfer embargo, which stops Rangers registering new players over the age of 18 for the next 12 months.
Alexandre Pato insists he is “ready” to play for Brazil in the Olympics, as Milan hire a new American athletic trainer to deal with their many injuries.
Pato has missed much of the campaign due to a series of thigh problems that baffled medics, but has been declared ‘healed’ in time for the Olympics in London.
“I have been working hard for a month, but effectively since the match with Barcelona on April 3 I have only trained,” the striker told the Corriere dello Sport.
“In any case, I am ready, physically strong and at the disposal of Brazil. The Olympics are my objective after our elimination in the Copa America last summer.”
Pato was one of many who picked up numerous injuries over the course of the campaign at Milan, so the club is taking action.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Rossoneri are hiring American physiotherapist Bill Tillson to act as an athletic trainer.
It is a new role for the fitness staff, aimed at ensuring players are ready to make their comebacks after a period out due to injury.
Ibrahimovic: 'No money at AC Milan' 25.5 ||webmaster
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he will stick with Milan, although “there is no money to buy the players we need. Anything can happen.”
The Rossoneri and agent Mino Raiola had denied stories he was increasingly unhappy at San Siro after missing out on the Scudetto.
“Milan’s problem is economic,” Ibra declared in a press conference on international duty with Sweden.
“There is no money to buy five players, or even the ones we need. We made a couple of signings, maybe there will be a third.”
Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traoré have both been snapped up on free transfers.
“I guess it’s true that the longer you play together, the more you improve. Just look at Chelsea, who won the Champions League although they were not the strongest team.”
However, Zlatan reacted angrily when asked if that meant rumours of him seeking a transfer were true.
“Without those, you’d have nothing to write about. I am happy at Milan and will respect my contract.
“Anything can happen, but at the moment nothing has happened. I will respect my contract.”
Aquilani could still stay at AC Milan 25.5 ||webmaster
Alberto Aquilani could still seal a permanent move to Milan this summer, the Liverpool player’s agent has declared.
The midfielder joined the Diavolo on loan just under a year ago in a deal that would see the club forced to buy him if he made 25 League appearances.
That didn’t happen and Milan stated this week that, for the time being, they did not intend to take up their option to sign him.
“Nothing is certain at the moment,” Franco Zavaglia told ItaSportPress. “It is by no means certain that Milan will not decide to keep him…”
It’s understood that Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani is waiting to see whether Clarence Seedorf and Mathieu Flamini leave, before asking Liverpool for a discount on the Italian.
Marco Rigoni is pleased to have seen his name linked with a summer move to Milan. “It would be a dream,” said the Novara man.
The midfielder is on the Rossoneri’s radar as they look to refresh their options in the middle after some big name exits.
“Although I can’t be satisfied of the season seeing as we were relegated, I have to admit that the transfer interest makes me happy,” he told Sport Mediaset.
“Milan? I can’t help but smile. I think any player in the world would have dreamed about being paired with a big club like Milan as a child.
“It is very pleasing to be associated with them. It would be a dream transfer for me, but we’ll have to see what happens.”
The 32-year-old was one of his side’s success stories in a difficult campaign for the Stadio Silvio Piola outfit.
Rigoni, who started his professional career at Juventus, scored 11 goals in 35 games for the Piedmont side this term.
The Diavolo will lose numerous midfielders with Gennaro Gattuso and Mark Van Bommel already leaving, while there are doubts over Clarence Seedorf, Alberto Aquilani and Mathieu Flamini.
Milan have announced prestigious friendlies against Chelsea and Real Madrid in their summer tour of the United States.
“On July 28 we are facing Chelsea in Miami,” revealed Vice-President Adriano Galliani.
“Then on August 4 in Pittsburgh we’ll play an opponent that is still to be confirmed, while there will be a friendly against Real Madrid on August 8 in New York in the marvellous new Yankees stadium.”
The Rossoneri will travel to America for pre-season training from July 27 to August 9.
Luca Antonini has again reiterated his desire to end his career with current club Milan.
“I never want to leave this team,” he told Forza Milan. “I want to finish my playing days with the Rossoneri.”
The left-back, now 29, is contracted to the outfit until 2014. The defender is a product of the Diavolo’s youth system who returned to Milanello in 2008 after spells with eight different clubs.
Antonini appeared in 27 games this season in total across all competitions – Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
In the same interview, he also praised the ability of boss Massimiliano Allegri despite not always being a part of his plans.
“I’ve always been convinced by Allegri, even when I wasn’t being called up,” he added. “I never gave up though and just worked in silence.
“One of Allegri’s best abilities is that he isn’t conditioned by anything. If you work hard in training then he’ll give you a chance in the starting XI.”
Maxi Lopez is looking for a new club after Milan opted against signing him outright from Catania.
The Argentine moved to the Rossoneri in January on loan, but the Diavolo have decided against paying the €8m fee agreed at the start of the year to keep him at San Siro.
“Maxi did well for Milan when he was called upon,” agent Andrea D’Amico told TMW on Wednesday. “He also became a fan favourite.
“He has behaved in an excellent manner, putting himself under the spotlight. He is a top level player and now we’ll have to work to find a solution for him.”
The 28-year-old scored two goals in 11 appearances for the Rossoneri this term. He scored five in 16 matches for Catania before his move.
Lopez will now return to Sicily, but it is unclear whether he will remain at the Stadio Massimino.
Acerbi is AC Milan quality, says boss 23.5 ||webmaster
Chievo boss Domenico Di Carlo is convinced that Francesco Acerbi is good enough for Milan and Italy.
The centre-back is being heavily linked with a move to the Rossoneri, while the tactician thinks he’ll soon be a member of the Giro Azzurro.
“Acerbi is ready for a great club,” Di Carlo told Sky Sport Italia. “He has great personality, he’s quick and has margins for improvement.
“I’m convinced that he will soon be called up to the Italian international side too.
“He’s a player who we were able to show off this season. That is our club policy here – to have a good campaign and put our best talents in the shop window.”
The 23-year-old, co-owned with Genoa, scored one goal in 17 top-flight games this term once he broke into the team.
Acerbi, who has made no secret of his desire to move to San Siro, has never been called up by his country.
AC Milan will reject Thiago Silva bids 23.5 ||webmaster
Italian giants Milan insist that they will resist the bombardment of offers for key defender Thiago Silva.
The Brazilian is again being linked with an exit after Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was spotted at the Diavolo’s HQ this week.
“There is an assault on him,” stated Vice-President Adriano Galliani. “All of the big Spanish and English clubs want Thiago Silva.
“He’ll stay at Milanello though. We’ll resist all of the temptations and there are strong ones which exist.
“All of Europe want him, including clubs with great economical power. We’ll do all we can to keep him.”
Silva is seen as a vital figure at San Siro given the departure of Alessandro Nesta, as is star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“After the Novara game on the last day of the season, Ibra came to my house,” Galliani continued when asked about the Swede’s future.
“I spoke to him for two hours and I hear from his agent on a daily basis. I’ve not been told that he wants to leave.
“Like Thiago Silva, Ibra will stay at Milan.”
Mancini’s visit, however, did also spark suggestions that Milan could again be interested in January target Carlos Tevez and City left-back Aleksandar Kolarov.
“The Tevez train has gone,” Galliani added. “We have never been interested in Kolarov – especially as we have four left-backs already…”
The former Lega Calcio President was also questioned on the futures of Clarence Seedorf, Mathieu Flamini, Maxi Lopez and Alberto Aquilani.
“I’ve still not seen Seedorf, while Flamini has to tell us whether or not he will accept our renewal offer. Maxi Lopez and Aquilani won’t be signed.”
The first pair are out of contract this summer, while Lopez and Aquilani are on loan from Catania and Liverpool respectively.
Galliani added that Milan are not looking for a new striker, while a defender is an objective. He also declared that Stephan El Shaarawy would be signed outright from Genoa, while the Rossoblu would take full ownership of Alexander Merkel.
Thiago Silva's 'preference is AC Milan' 22.5 ||webmaster
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists his visit to Milan HQ was “a courtesy call. There are no transfer moves in the pipeline.”
The Premier League-winning tactician was spotted in Italy over the weekend, as he was in the stands for Sampdoria’s Serie B game with Pescara.
He also raised eyebrows by visiting Milan offices to meet with Vice-President Adriano Galliani, fuelling speculation of talks for Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Thiago Silva.
“I went to the Milan offices yesterday purely for a courtesy call. Besides which, it was Galliani who called and asked me to do so,” Mancini told news agency ANSA.
“Therefore, there are no transfer moves in the pipeline. I was in Milan for personal reasons and Galliani asked to meet up.
“I was there for 10 minutes and I certainly did not make a proposal for Thiago Silva, nor did I offer Mario Balotelli or Carlos Tevez to Milan.”
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri wants a reduced squad at San Siro next season – but one that includes Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Both players have been linked with exits over recent weeks, with Manchester City apparently interested in the duo.
Allegri, though, has insisted that his plans for 2012-13 include the Brazilian stopper and the Swedish striker.
“Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva will stay,” the former Cagliari boss told Milan Channel.
“The club and especially the President want to maintain the team at its high levels. Ibra and Thiago are two champions, a base on which the club can build a future on.”
Reports had suggested that Ibra was looking for a switch because of his relationship with the tactician.
“Ibra is not aching to leave,” Allegri continued. “He is happy in Rossonero. You can have discussions and an exchange of ideas over the course of a season. But he’s a champion and I want to train champions.”
Milan will make changes this summer as a host of veteran players have left, while Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traorè have already come in.
“We had 33 players in the squad this season, but that was because we had to make some adjustments in January because of injuries.
“We’ll have a 25-26 man squad, including three goalkeepers, for the new season.
“Montolivo? Riccardo can play right in the centre of midfield, or just off centre. Traorè has excellent qualities. He is a player who breaks into attack well and he has legs. He can do a lot more.”
Gianluca Zambrotta has revealed that he has two possible foreign destinations once his Milan contract expires next month.
The defender will leave San Siro given that the Rossoneri have not offered the World Cup winner a new deal.
“I still feel like a footballer and I want to try an experience abroad,” the 35-year-old told the Corriere dello Sport. “Where? Dubai or the United States.”
The former Bari, Juventus and Barcelona player has enjoyed a trophy-filled career, but he has one regret.
“I didn’t manage to win the Champions League,” he added.
Zambrotta is just one of numerous high profile Milan departures this summer, a year after the club let Andrea Pirlo join Juventus.
“Milan need to find a new Pirlo,” the veteran continued. “His sale was a big mistake. I’d advise the Rossoneri to buy Marco Verratti of Pescara.
“He is an element that is growing and maturing. He could get very close to Andrea.”
Verratti, a surprise inclusion in Cesare Prandelli’s 32-man Euro 2012 long-list, is wanted by new Italian champions Juventus.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini asked about the availability of Thiago Silva during talks with Milan on Monday.
The tactician was spotted at the club’s HQ in Via Turati where he spent around 30 minutes with Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani.
Although Mancini insisted that the visit was just a courtesy call, there were rumours that the futures of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli were discussed.
However, according to all three of Italy’s major sports newspapers on Tuesday, their discussion was actually based around Thiago Silva.
The new Premiership champions want the Brazilian centre-back who is also of interest to Spanish giants Barcelona.
The Gazzetta claims that City offered Italian international Balotelli in exchange for the stopper, but the Italian club value the South American at €50m.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, however, has insisted that the club will not sell Silva or Ibrahimovic this summer.
“The club and the President want to maintain the high level of the squad,” Allegri noted. “Ibra and Thiago are two champions on which Milan can build from.”
Riccardo Montolivo has written an open letter to fans after he left Fiorentina for Milan earlier this month.
The midfielder signed a contract until 2016 with the Rossoneri last week after refusing to accept a new deal in Florence.
“Before beginning my Euro 2012 adventure with the national team, with the hope of being there as a protagonist, I would like to thank the Della Valle family, Fiorentina and Florence for all these wonderful and unforgettable seven years spent together,” he said on the club’s website.
“The memory of this experience will always remain in the heart. They were seven very intense years, full of joy and pain, satisfaction and tears, which saw us as protagonists in Italy and on the prestigious stage of the Europa League and Champions League.
“I will never forget the scream of joy when Gila scored at Anfield, as I will never erase from my memory the twin battles, epic and unfortunate, against Bayern Munich.
“I was the captain of this team and I felt on my skin how important the armband was. I wore it with pride and passion, proud to be the reference point for my teammates and for the Viola.
“In life and in professions, relationships can break down and not always in an understandable and painless way for everyone. Behind every reaction, comment or opinion, I have always felt, however, that I have had the passion for this purple shirt that represents the true heritage of Fiorentina.
“There will be times, places and ways to remember my seasons in Florence and the choices made. Although some see me as an enemy, I can only wish joy and satisfaction to Fiorentina, Florence, to my former comrades and all the people who work every day in the club with passion and dedication.
“Finally, I’d like to send a greeting and a warm embrace to those who stood by me during these years.”
Montolivo, signed from Atalanta in 2005, has joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer.
Seedorf: 'AC Milan band of brothers' 20.5 ||webmaster
Clarence Seedorf reflected on his decade at Milan, noting his teammates were like brothers and Carlo Ancelotti a great friend.
The Dutchman was one of several stars whose contract expired this summer and opted to walk away, though he has stated he’ll continue his playing career elsewhere.
“To spend 10 years at Milan really is a long experience,” Seedorf told Al Jazeera television.
“When you play for such a long time with the same teammates, a rapport builds that is beyond the professional sphere. You become almost like brothers.
“Even those who arrived later to the squad were treated that way, as we did really well to create a wonderful group.”
Ancelotti was on the Milan bench for eight years and Seedorf has no qualms about putting him above the other Coaches.
“He was a great friend and put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders in the locker room. We had a wonderful rapport and I was very sad when he left.
“President Silvio Berlusconi has remarkable charisma and he loves Milan like crazy.”
Milan are said to be lining up a meeting with Santos talent Ganso’s agents later today with a price-tag of around €20m – or Robinho.
The young Brazilian creative midfielder has long been linked with a move to Serie A, as the Rossoneri, Inter, Roma and Juventus are among those who have shown an interest.
It is widely reported that agent Tiago Ferro, whose company owns 55 per cent of his contract, is in Italy this weekend and will meet with Adriano Galliani later today.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Santos would be prepared to release Ganso for around €20m.
Milan hope to reduce the price-tag by including striker Robinho as part of the deal, as Santos already declared their interest in the former Manchester City and Real Madrid hitman earlier this month.
Robinho has already played for Santos in his career and would be welcomed back as a star in his native Brazil.
Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan career may be over, but he could stay in Serie A, as there are reports Lazio are ready to offer him a contract.
The gritty midfielder opted not to renew his contract with the Rossoneri and ended a 13-year spell at San Siro.
He has not yet decided what to do in future, as his dream of returning to troubled Glasgow Rangers is scuppered by the transfer embargo on players over the age of 18.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Lazio have pin-pointed Gattuso as the experienced hand their midfield needs in Serie A and the Europa League. He would be reunited with another former Milan man, Cristian Brocchi.
They would propose a two-year contract with a considerable drop in wages from those he had at Milan.
In a curious coincidence, it is also pointed out that Gattuso shares a birthday with the club, which was founded on January 9.
Milan have rejected the idea of loaning injury-prone Alexandre Pato to Corinthians. “He is staying with us 100 per cent.”
Brazilian media suggested Pato would return to his homeland for a year to recover from the numerous muscular problems that have badly affected his season.
“Milan will not negotiate for Pato on a loan deal or a permanent transfer,” Vice-President Adriano Galliani told Lancenet.
“The player is staying with us 100 per cent. He will remain next season and recover here with Milan. That is certain.”
However, Pato’s agent was not so quick to close the door on Corinthians, especially as the striker has fallen out of favour with the Seleçao.
“Corinthians are a great team,” said Gilmar Veloz. “We will wait to see how the situation evolves and let the player prepare for the Olympics in London, then we’ll decide what to do.”
AC Milan snap up Brazilian Gabriel 19.5 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani admits Milan “must resist a genuine siege for Thiago Silva, as a queue of European clubs are ready to go crazy for the Brazilian.”
He is considered among the best defenders in the world right now and has in particular been heavily linked with Barcelona.
“We must resist a genuine siege for Thiago Silva, as a queue of European clubs are ready to go crazy for the Brazilian,” Milan Vice-President Galliani told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
However, according to the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, the Rossoneri could capitulate if the offers go up to around €40m.
Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have joined Barcelona in the bidding war.
It is reported Milan have already turned down proposals worth €30m.
Clarence Seedorf has confirmed he’ll decide his post-Milan future in a few days, “but I don’t see why I should retire.”
The 36-year-old midfielder was one of several players whose contract expired at San Siro this summer and he has made it clear he doesn’t want to hang up his boots yet.
“I will decide what to do next season in the next seven, at most 10, days,” said the Dutchman.
“I am happy because there are so many options for me to choose from. It all depends on motivation, as I keep in good shape and still have a lot of passion.
“If I continue like this, I don’t see why I should retire.”
The favourite destination is Brazilian club Botafogo, but there are also reports of hooking up with Marcello Lippi at Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.
AC Milan are Champions League seeds 19.5 ||webmaster
Milan will be seeded in the Champions League group phase draw for next season along with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The Rossoneri were in the second pot last term, which is why they were paired with Barça in the first round.
However, they are now 12th in the UEFA rankings and in the top seeds because Inter, Atletico Madrid, Lyon and Liverpool all failed to qualify for the competition.
At this time the top seeds are Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Porto and Milan.
There is one slot left, currently held by Valencia, but Chelsea will take it if they win tonight’s Champions League Final against Bayern Munich.
Juventus are only 43rd in the UEFA rankings, while Udinese are 58th and go through the preliminary round.
New Milan signing Bakaye Traoré cannot hide his enthusiasm at making the move. “I am so proud, as I didn’t expect them to show interest in me.”
The midfielder was snapped up as a free agent after his contract with French club Nancy expired.
“I am very proud to become part of one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he told the official Nancy website.
“I know they believe in me at Milan, as they tried to sign me several times. Now I am ready to fight for my space in the side.
“It was strange to hear Milan made an approach, as I didn’t expect them to show an interest in me. I thought you had to play in the Champions League to attract the attention of a club at this level.”
Manchester City 'did not request Ibrahimovic' 18.5 ||webmaster
Adriano Galliani has assured “it is not true that Manchester City asked for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He will win the Champions League with the Milan shirt.”
There have been reports Ibra was looking to move on after ending the season empty-handed and could be of interest to Roberto Mancini’s Premier League winners.
“It is not true that Manchester City asked for Ibrahimovic,” the Vice-President told Sport Mediaset.
“He will stay here with us to win the Champions League with the Milan shirt.
“We are happy to already be among the 32 in the group stage for next season and hope to soon be back playing a Final rather than being guests.”
Galliani is in Munich for Saturday’s clash between Chelsea and Bayern.
Gennaro Gattuso’s agent has warned it would be “very difficult” for him to join Glasgow Rangers due to their transfer embargo.
The ex-Milan midfielder announced during a farewell press conference that it was his dream to wear the Rangers jersey again, having played at Ibrox early in his career.
“There are many Italian and foreign clubs interested in Ringhio,” agent Andrea D’Amico told Calciomercato.it.
“The road that takes him to Rangers is very difficult, because the Scottish club cannot sign new players older than 18 for a year.
“In any case, Gattuso is a champion and will certainly find a club.”
Rangers had their appeal against the 12-month transfer embargo rejected this week by the Scottish Football Association.
“If I were in Milan’s shoes, I’d replace Gattuso with Marco Rigoni, who has done so well for Novara. He combines quantity with quality, even if he made his Serie A debut at the age of 31.
“Marco really deserves Milan and is a Rossoneri fan. He’s a fantastic player and Adriano Galliani likes him a lot.”
Maldini warns AC Milan not to sell 18.5 ||webmaster
Milan can’t afford to let go of either Thiago Silva or Zlatan Ibrahimovic if they have ambitions of winning silverware, says Paolo Maldini.
Brazilian stopper Silva is being linked again with Barcelona, while Ibra has been associated with both Real Madrid and Manchester City.
“If you want to win something then you can’t do without Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic,” the Milan legend told Sky Sport Italia.
“If the objective is to balance the accounts and have a decent campaign, then you can sacrifice one of the two.”
Both players have a transfer valuation of over €30m.
The Diavolo will have to make changes this summer given the certain departures of Alessandro Nesta, Mark Van Bommel, Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi. Clarence Seedorf is also set to quit San Siro.
“A lot of Italian football’s recent history is leaving,” the ex-left-back added. “There is a bit of sadness, even if there is also happiness because of what we have seen them do in the past.”
Argentine side Boca Juniors have an interest in securing the signature of Gennaro Gattuso of Milan.
Gattuso will be available on a free transfer given that his contract at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza will expire in June.
Gattuso has admitted that he’d like a return to Glasgow Rangers after rejecting the opportunity of a new one-year deal with the Diavolo.
“Gattuso is a player we really like and the doors to our squad are always open for a player as prestigious as he is,” Boca sporting director Pablo Budna told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’m presently in Italy where I have the chance to form relationships with Italian clubs. Why would we not be interested in Gattuso?”
Gattuso, who played in just seven games this season, has stated that he wants to join a club that will make him “feel alive” again.
Inter have a better chance of signing Matias Silvestre than Milan this summer, says Palermo chief Maurizio Zamparini.
The Argentine defender has been linked with both clubs seeing as the Nerazzurri will sell Lucio, while Alessandro Nesta has quit the Diavolo.
“There was an enquiry from Inter a few days ago,” Zamparini told Radio Radio. “We’ve also registered timid interest from an English club and a German team.
“He won’t be going to Milan though because the Rossoneri’s policy is to sign out of contract players.
“Seeing as Silvestre’s asking price is high they will never sign him – otherwise they would have got him last summer.”
The Stadio Barbera outfit netted the 27-year-old from Sicilian rivals Catania for a fee of around €7m before the start of this term.
“We’ll have to make a decision on Silvestre is the coming days,” Zampa continued. “We are well covered at the back, but if we were to sell him then we would have to sign a replacement.”
The President also added that Siena’s Emanuele Calaio and Franco Brienza were not transfer targets, while Federico Balzaretti is set to remain.
“He’s asked me to stay so I’ll renew his contract for another three years. He’ll only leave this club if Paris Saint-Germain make a bid.”
The defender’s wife works in the French city as a ballerina.
Palermo will be bossed by current Siena tactician Giuseppe Sannino next term.
OFFICIAL: AC Milan sign Traore and Montolivo 17.5 ||webmaster
Italian giants Milan have confirmed the Bosman free captures of Bakaye Traorè and Riccardo Montolivo.
Both midfielders, Traorè arrives from French club Nancy and Montolivo has joined the Rossoneri after his contract at Fiorentina expired.
The Malian, 27, has signed a deal until June 2015, while Italian international Montolivo has committed his future to the Diavolo until 2016.
Traorè revealed earlier this month that he was heading to San Siro, while the former Atalanta player underwent his medical in Italy’s fashion capital on Wednesday.
Verratti snubbed AC Milan with tears 17.5 ||webmaster
Juventus target Marco Verratti has confirmed that he rejected the opportunity to join Milan. “I cried because I wanted to stay at Pescara.”
The playmaker is a transfer target for the Old Lady after his stunning season in Serie B has also led to his surprise inclusion in Italy’s preliminary 32-man Euro 2012 squad.
“I was in Milan and I should have stayed a day more to have a medical,” the 19-year-old, born in Pescara, told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“However, I started to cry and I returned south because I wanted to go back home and break into the Pescara first team.”
Years later, Verratti has done that and his transformation from an attacking midfielder into a deep-lying playmaker has done the rest.
“When Zdenek Zeman asked me to switch roles, it seemed a natural position for me and I thought that it was a role which best suited my characteristics,” he added.
“Comparisons with Andrea Pirlo? He is the best midfielder in Italy, perhaps the world. I always watch him on television in a bid to learn things.
“Playing alongside him next season? That would be fantastic, but we’ll talk about it at the end of the season.”
Verratti has at least one more game left with promotion hopefuls Pescara before he’ll join his new international colleagues.
“I thought that my call-up was a joke at first,” he added. “It still doesn’t seem real now. I’ll look to give Coach Cesare Prandelli some selection troubles…”
Meanwhile, Tuttosport are suggesting that Verratti could inherit Alessandro Del Piero’s No 10 shirt if he moves to Turin.
Pescara and Juve are discussing his transfer, but there is a difference in their evaluations. The Serie B club want €8m, Juve are offering €5m.
Ibrahimovic will stay, says El Shaarawy 17.5 ||webmaster
Stephan El Shaarawy expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to still be at Milan next season when they will resume their battle with Juventus.
“Ibra always wants to win,” the youngster told Sky Sport Italia. “I think that he will stay here with us at Milan.”
The Rossoneri ended the season empty handed after finishing four points behind Juve in the standings, as well as being defeated by them in the Italian Cup semi-finals.
“We can beat Juventus next season, that is a definite possibility,” the Italian Under-21 continued. “We’ll certainly give it a go.”
El Shaarawy, 19, moved to San Siro last summer and ended the campaign with two goals in 22 League games.
“I’ll start the new season from zero again,” continued the attacker who is co-owned with Genoa. “I’ll look to do better than I did this term.”
Milan could look to bolster their midfield options with Marco Rigoni after Novara were relegated from the top flight.
The 32-year-old was one of his side’s success stories in a difficult campaign for the Stadio Silvio Piola outfit.
Rigoni, who started his professional career at Juventus, scored 11 goals in 35 games for the Piedmont side this term.
The Diavolo will lose numerous midfielders with Gennaro Gattuso and Mark Van Bommel already leaving, while there are doubts over Clarence Seedorf, Alberto Aquilani and Mathieu Flamini.
Novara boss Attilio Tesser this week claimed that Rigoni deserved to be part of Italy’s preliminary 32-man squad for Euro 2012.
Massimiliano Allegri is “100 per cent sure” of staying with Milan and insists he doesn’t need Mario Balotelli or Carlos Tevez.
The Coach had been linked with a departure after ending the season empty-handed.
“I am 100 per cent sure of staying. We already talked it over with the club and planned out future years,” he told Milan Channel.
Allegri also commented on reports the club will try to revive its fortunes by signing one of the Manchester City strikers.
“It’s difficult to find room in Milan’s strike force, because we have Alexandre Pato, Antonio Cassano, Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Stephan El Shaarawy.
“Tevez and Balotelli are two great champions and play for Manchester City, while I am happy with what I’ve got.”
Ambrosini signs new AC Milan contract 16.5 ||webmaster
Milan have officially extended captain Massimo Ambrosini’s contract for another year, tying him to the club until June 2013.
The midfielder had been one of many players whose deals were set to expire this summer.
While others such as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Gianluca Zambrotta and Mark van Bommel will walk away, Ambrosini put pen to paper on a new contract.
The news was announced by Milan on their official website this evening.
Aquilani to halve Liverpool wages? 16.5 ||webmaster
Maxi Lopez has made it clear that he wants Milan to do a deal with Catania over a permanent switch to San Siro.
The striker moved to the Stadio Meazza in January on a €1.5m loan, an agreement which included the option to complete his transfer for a further €8m.
“I really wanted to wear this shirt and do well for the cause,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I always gave my best when I was called upon by the Coach.
“My agent will soon meet with the Milan directors, but I only have Milan in my mind. I’m happy here and I can give even more.
“I’m thinking of nothing else but playing for Milan.”
The 28-year-old, formerly of Barcelona and River Plate, scored one goal in eight Serie A games for the Diavolo. He grabbed one – against Juventus – in two Cup appearances.
Former Milan defender Stefano Nava has applauded the club for extending the contract of Mario Yepes.
The Colombian stopper was only tied to the Diavolo until June, but he’s been handed a new 12-month agreement after Alessandro Nesta decided to quit San Siro.
“Yepes is not a world class player, but he’s always been ready when called upon,” Nava noted.
“When boss Massimiliano Allegri has selected him, he has always responded with substantial and positive performances.”
The South American, 36, played in 11 Serie A games this term. He joined the club from Chievo in 2010.
Nava was a product of Milan’s youth system and was a fringe player, like Yepes, with the outfit until his 1995 exit.
Antonio Cassano reveals how it felt to make his comeback after heart surgery and how he “wanted to quit” after seeing two sportsmen die during games.
The Milan and Italy star suffered an ischemic stroke on the way back from a 3-2 win at Roma on October 28 and underwent heart surgery a few days later to fix a congenital problem.
“After the operation there was optimism, but when I saw athletes like Bovolenta and Morosini suddenly die during games, I wanted to quit,” he told Chi magazine.
Olympic medal winning volleyball player Vigor Bovolenta collapsed and died during a match on March 24, aged 37.
Piermario Morosini suffered the same fate during Livorno’s Serie B game at Pescara on April 14, aged 25.
“I seemed in shock, incapable of making any autonomous decisions. My wife was so worried, as I just sat on the couch and stared at the wall. I wanted to finish with football.
“I’d say: ‘I’m done here. I’m gambling with my life.’ But when the medics told me I could go back to playing again, I cried.
“I can never forget the moment I returned to the field. Milan-Fiorentina, the Coach Massimiliano Allegri told me to ‘get ready.’
“My legs were trembling as never before, not even when I made my Serie A debut. I was coming back to life and felt like the happiest man in the world.”
Cesare Prandelli always stated he’d wait to the last second for Cassano to recover in time for Euro 2012 and the forward began training yesterday.
“Prandelli always put his faith in me and never let me go. Now the Euros are coming up and I am ready. We hope to do well.”
AC Milan deny Ibrahimovic - Allegri problems 15.5 ||webmaster
Milan have gone to the trouble of releasing a statement denying there are problems between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Massimiliano Allegri.
Reports emerged over the past few days that the striker did not see eye to eye with his Coach and even that Allegri had requested the Swede be sold.
“Milan, via an official statement, deny the reports of incompatibility between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Coach Massimiliano Allegri because it is without any foundation and simply untrue.”
Agent Mino Raiola had also denied the claims on Monday.
Ambrosini 'should' stay at AC Milan 15.5 ||webmaster
Massimo Ambrosini’s “adventure at Milan should continue,” declared the veteran midfielder’s agent, denying reports of a problem with the Coach.
The Rossoneri are in the midst of a revolution after Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Mark van Bommel, Clarence Seedorf and Gianluca Zambrotta all confirmed their departures with contracts that expire in June.
“I believe Ambrosini’s adventure at Milan should continue,” said agent Moreno Roggi on RadioCalciomercato.it.
“I think the club intends to keep him. We still haven’t set up a meeting, when we do I doubt there will be any problems.”
Ambrosini is one of several players rumoured to have clashed with Coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“I know of a good rapport between Massimo and his Coach. When he’s had the chance, he has been used consistently. There is therefore no problem.”
Maxi Lopez - AC Milan talks delayed 15.5 ||webmaster
Liverpool-owned Alberto Aquilani has not given up hope of being signed outright by Milan this summer.
The midfielder joined the Rossoneri on loan last August. Included in that agreement was an enforced buy-out clause, but the Roman didn’t play in enough games for it to be activated.
“If he hadn’t have picked up an injury then he would have certainly made the 25 appearances necessary,” agent Franco Zavaglia told Milan News. “That would have resolved a lot of the problems.
“We still haven’t spoken to Milan and I think we will get a clearer understanding of the situation in about 10 days.
“Alberto wants to stay in Milan, but he has two years left on his Liverpool contract and we’ll need to see what they think about it.
“Things went as they did, but there hasn’t been the final word yet.”
Aquilani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus, scored one goal in 23 League games for the Diavolo this term.
Mancini: No Balotelli - Ibrahimovic swap 15.5 ||webmaster
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has played down reports that Mario Balotelli could swap clubs with Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Ibra is a great,” Mancini, his former tactician at Inter, told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “I don’t think Milan have a desire to sell him.
“In all honesty, we haven’t sat down to talk about what we will do in the transfer market. These last five weeks of the season have been dedicated to the championship.
“Balotelli? He will stay here with us – I am 101 per cent sure of this.”
Mancio is still celebrating after his City side won the Premier League at the weekend with two injury time goals against QPR.
“Sunday was a miracle,” he noted. “However, that doesn’t mean that the title was not deserved. To beat an opponent like Manchester United underlines our merit.”
Mancini, a former Coach of Fiorentina and Lazio, was also asked about his own future with the Premiership giants.
“I’ve not spoken to the club about my contract, but I’m happy here,” he added. “There is the base here to start a winning cycle.”
Raiola: Ibrahimovic staying at AC Milan 15.5 ||webmaster
Mark Van Bommel has completed his much-expected transfer from Milan to PSV Eindhoven, signing a one-year deal with the Dutch side.
Van Bommel, who returns to the side he spent six years earlier in his career, confirmed over the weekend the rumours that he would be leaving Milan at the end of the season when his contract expired.
With the Rossoneri’s campaign now ended, the 35-year-old tough-tackling midfielder, who won a Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana with Milan in an 18-month spell, has completed his move back to PSV.
“This is deal we have been working on for a very long time,” confirmed technical director Marcel Brands in confirming the news on the Dutch side’s official website.
“We are please to have finally succeeded in signing such an internationally experienced player, with a great history at PSV and who is also the captain of the national team.”
Allegri: I'm lucky to have Ibrahimovic 14.5 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will stay at Milan, as he pays tribute to Pippo Inzaghi and agrees with Rino Gattuso on respect.
The Coach gave a long interview on Monday afternoon and immediately faced questions on Ibrahimovic’s future. The Swedish forward has been linked with a departure from the Rossoneri this summer, but Allegri stated he thinks otherwise.
“He said he loves Milan and fortunately for us he has also said that he will remain at Milan,” began the tactician on Rtl 102.5.
“Who do I dream of coaching? That’s difficult. Coaching champions like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the dream, it is the desire of all.
“I have Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva and am lucky enough for this, without taking anything away from those who are leaving the club.
“I think Milan have had 10 years of these champions, especially Italians, and at the greatest level. Unfortunately of the current champions, fewer are Italian, which is bad for Italian football.
“Mario Balotelli? He’s a young player, he has great quality but he needs to mature, I think so because it would be important for his career.”
The Coach then reflected on one of the club’s departing Italian champions, Inzaghi, who scored in his final appearance for the club at the weekend.
“Inzaghi has once again demonstrated his professionalism and above all I think he had a great chance to close his Milan spell, and I don’t know, maybe his career, in the best way possible.
“It was a beautiful gift, among other things it was a beautiful goal. Although this year he has had some injuries, he has a quality that is difficult to find in all other strikers in Italy and Europe.
“It is normal that when one is a player that you want to feel important, that you always want to play, and forever. On the other hand, there is a Coach who is always a bastard, who has to make choices.
“I thanked Inzaghi as I thanked everyone who played their last game for Milan, for what they gave me during these two years and because they helped me in the first year win the Scudetto.”
Allegri was also asked about Gattuso’s departing words from San Siro, where he spoke of the respect he had for his Coaches at the club and how he intimated that younger players don’t have that same respect today.
“First of all I believe that we should have respect not only in the dressing room but in everyday life. Unfortunately, in young people these values are somewhat lost.
“As is normal in dressing rooms, there must be those who are given seniority based on what they have achieved, and these younger players in particular must learn so as to stay at Milan for many years. Gattuso is right.”
Photo: Inzaghi's goodbye message in Gazzetta dello Sport 14.5 ||webmaster
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly made up his mind and is keen to leave Milan to go and play for Manchester City in the Premier League.
The tall Swede has just finished his most prolific year in front of goal, with 28 League goals to his name earning him a second Capocannoniere title in his career.
However, with Milan having not won anything and rumours of a rift with Massimiliano Allegri and other coaching staff at the club, reports are suggesting that the forward is angling for a move.
Preivously linked with a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, the latest line is that the 30-year-old is keen to sample English football.
Tuttomercatoweb are alleging that the player’s agent, who was spotted at Milanello today, is already at work to try to engineer a move to newly-crowned champions Manchester City, ahead of an anticipated meeting between Ibra and Rossoneri Vice President Adriano Galliani to discuss his future.
A move to Manchester City would be a link up with another former Inter boss in Roberto Mancini.
Montolivo set for AC Milan switch 14.5 ||webmaster
Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo will sign a contract with Milan by the end of this week, says the Gazzetta dello Sport.
The newspaper suggests that the 27-year-old will put pen to paper on a Rossoneri deal at some point on Wednesday.
The midfielder, available on a Bosman free transfer given his expiring deal in Florence, will spend the next two days at Coverciano after being named in Italy’s 32-man Euro 2012 squad.
He’ll then travel to Milan in midweek for his medical. It’s understood that he’s been offered a four-year contract worth a basic €2.7m a season.
Montolivo, who has turned down numerous offers from the Viola to renew his Tuscan terms, has scored four goals in 30 League games during this campaign.
He joined the Florence outfit in 2005 after emerging through Atalanta’s youth system.
Gennaro Gattuso is hoping for a return to Glasgow Rangers after playing his last game for Milan on Sunday.
The 2006 World Cup winner will leave Milanello over the summer once his contract expires at the end of June.
And although he will begin studying as a Coach at Coverciano, he wants to continue his playing career.
“I’d like to play for Glasgow Rangers, that’s my dream,” stated the 36-year-old to Sportitalia. “However, they are going through a complicated situation.
“I’ve spoken to some people who are looking to enter the club, but we’ll have to see what happens next. They are not the only option.
“I’m not bothered about money. I want an experience that will touch me emotionally, I want to feel alive.”
Gattuso played for Rangers in 1997-98 before he joined Milan in 1999 after a campaign at Salernitana.
“I felt like an ex-player in the derby against Inter,” he added when asked why he has ended his Diavolo career.
“That night I went home and made my decision without speaking to anyone. If I want to continue to be a footballer then I have to leave Milan.
“If in the future I feel as if I’m not in the best shape then I’ll hand my contract back to whichever club I sign for.”
Gennaro Gattuso has given Antonio Nocerino his blessing to take over Milan’s Number 8 jersey. “Leaving is my definitive decision.”
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has opted to walk away despite being offered an extension.
“Nocerino can wear my jersey, especially as he’s a Southerner like me,” smiled Gattuso on Milan Channel.
“It was right for the club to retire the jerseys of Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi, but we’ll leave ours to our teammates.”
Gattuso is not the only one leaving, as Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Gianluca Zambrotta and Mark van Bommel have also played their last games for the Rossoneri.
“How did I feel when our jerseys were held up in the stands? You all saw the effect it had, as 13 years are a lot and in that moment everything went through my mind, from the joy to the pain, the victories and defeats. I carry all of it in my heart.
“It is my definitive decision, as when I open my mouth then I mean what I say. One day I’ll try to return to Milan and we’ll see in what role. I still feel able to do something in football.”
Inzaghi: 'Difficult to leave AC Milan' 13.5 ||webmaster
Pippo Inzaghi admits “it is tough to leave, but I will come back to Milan” after scoring his final goal.
The striker is retiring at the age of 38 and did so with the winning half-volley when beating Novara 2-1.
“There are no words. I trained hard yesterday despite the fact today was going to be a celebration and I prepared for this goal,” said SuperPippo.
“With this jersey I have scored 300 goals and made 300 appearances in this stadium, in front of my people.
“It is a wonderful sensation. I feel good and it is difficult to leave. Playing somewhere that isn’t Milan is also a tough idea to swallow, so I’ll take a few days to decide.
“I will certainly come back here to Milan, because there is such a great love binding us that it cannot end today.”
Gianluca Zambrotta made his final appearance for Milan, but reveals “it will not be my last football match.”
The full-back was one of several players saying goodbye today, as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The same is true of Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi, Mark van Bommel, Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf.
“It is difficult to speak in these moments, when sentiments take over everything,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 win over Novara.
“It is really strange seeing Rino and the others waving goodbye here. The last match at San Siro is a special moment, even if it is not my last football match.
“I haven’t decided what to do in the future yet. I won’t say anything else, as I don’t like goodbyes.”
VIDEO: Gattuso crying post AC Milan vs. Novara 13.5 ||webmaster
VIDEO: Gattuso and Inzaghi saluting the crowd 13.5 ||webmaster
Serie A: AC Milan 2:1 Novara - goals 13.5 ||webmaster
Milan said goodbye to their stars in style, as Pippo Inzaghi scored his final goal in a Rossoneri jersey amid moving scenes against Novara.
The Rossoneri end their campaign and wave goodbye to stars Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Gianluca Zambrotta and Mark van Bommel. Also on the injury list were Alexandre Pato, Thiago Silva, Christian Abbiati, Daniele Bonera, Sulley Muntari, Urby Emanuelson, Mattia De Sciglio and the suspended Ignazio Abate. Novara had Giuseppe Mascara out on a ban with Samir Ujkani, Achille Coser, Samir Ujkani, Andrea Mazzarani and Francesco Marianini sidelined.
There were emotional scenes before kick-off with Gattuso in particular shedding tears after 13 years at the club. The choregraphy in the stands had three huge jerseys representing Gattuso, Inzaghi and Nesta.
Jeda thought he had given Novara the lead after four minutes with a glancing header on Marco Rigoni’s cross, but it was correctly ruled offside. Marco Amelia also smothered a Giuseppe Gemiti snapshot.
Milan’s injury crisis showed no signs of calming down, as Kevin-Prince Boateng went off for Mathieu Flamini just 11 minutes in.
Novara seemed more fired up for the game and took the lead when a Rigoni free kick was not cleared effectively and Santiago Garcia latched on to a deflected Gemiti strike to turn it in off the inside of the far post from eight yards.
Andrea Caracciolo tested Amelia from close range on a free kick and Zambrotta flashed an angled drive just past the far stick. Seedorf should’ve scored on 28 minutes when left totally unmarked on a corner, but fired well wide.
Caracciolo’s header was just off target and Amelia punched away a Rigoni free kick. Alberto Aquilani remarkably fired a Djamel Mesbah cross wide from a couple of yards, firing it across the face of an open goal.
Seedorf improved his aim after the break, his free kick curling over the wall and clipping the outside edge of the upright.
Moments later Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s angled drive was well palmed out of the bottom corner by Mario Alberto Fontana.
The Rossoneri seemed to be a different side after Allegri’s team talk and equalised when Flamini gathered from Antonio Cassano down the left and smashed an angled drive from the edge of the box.
Seedorf skipped past Michele Morganella and could only hit the side-netting from close range, as Milan were a completely different team.
Rigoni still threatened on a counter-attack from his own half, but was tired by the end of the run and drilled wide.
Inzaghi came on for his final match in a Milan jersey and as a professional football player, greeted by chants and banners from the stands. SuperPippo had a shot charged down by Centurioni and another volley whistled across the face of goal.
Nesta also replaced Gattuso in an exchange of two players who are leaving Milan.
His teammates were raining in assists for Inzaghi and he got the goal he was looking for! It was a well-taken strike, as he chested down the Seedorf pass and smacked a half-volley across the goalkeeper with his right foot. He was visibly moved during the celebrations, knelt down and kissed his jersey while pointing to the fans.
Seedorf clipped the edge of the upright again with a free kick.
Clarence Seedorf confirmed today will be his “last game” for Milan, but is still considering the offers from Brazil.
The Dutchman is one of several players whose contract expires next month and, like Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Mark van Bommel, Gianluca Zambrotta and Pippo Inzaghi, he is not going to renew.
“It will be my last game in a Rossoneri jersey, but I will continue playing football,” the 36-year-old told Sky Sport Italia ahead of today’s meeting with Novara.
“Will I go to Brazil? I haven’t decided yet.”
Botafogo have prepared a proposal to bring Seedorf to South America, aided by the fact he already has a house in Brazil.
Allegri: 'I don't care what Pirlo says' 12.5 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri prepares for next season with Riccardo Montolivo at Milan and sends a message to Andrea Pirlo. “I don’t care what he says.”
The Coach has nothing more to play for this term and takes on already-relegated Novara this afternoon.
“I must compliment Juventus, as they had an extraordinary year and deserve this Scudetto. This does not mean it was a failure for Milan, though,” said Allegri.
“We won it last season, went close this time and hope to be competitive in Europe and Serie A next year too.
“Next season Montolivo will arrive and he is a very talented player with great technique. In any case, Milan will remain competitive next year and we must continue the work we started last season. We need to begin again with great enthusiasm.”
Montolivo is a free agent, as his contract with Fiorentina expires on June 30.
There is the sensation this is the end of an era, as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi and Mark van Bommel have all confirmed they are leaving Milan, while Clarence Seedorf and Gianluca Zambrotta are expected to follow with their contracts expiring next month.
“These are going to be difficult days, as we are saying goodbye to players and men who have written Milan history. It must be a celebration for those lads who are leaving and I thank them for giving their all. Unfortunately you cannot hold back time.
“To be here for 10 years and win so many trophies means you have a very strong mentality. We’re finishing a season and an era.”
There was already a sign of change within the Rossoneri camp last summer, when Andrea Pirlo joined Juventus on a free transfer and proved decisive in the Scudetto race. The veteran midfielder sniped at Allegri, suggesting the Coach “didn’t want” him around.
“I thank Pirlo for the hard work he put in last year. I evaluate players when I have them at my disposal. After that, I don’t care what they do or say,” replied Allegri.
Milan have already set out their pre-season plans with a friendly against Schalke 04 on July 24, then a tour of the United States.
The campaign isn’t over yet, but the Rossoneri have nothing more to play for and have unveiled their preparations for 2012-13.
The squad will come together at the Milanello training ground for tests on July 9, then move on to a series of friendlies.
“We will play a friendly against Schalke 04 on July 24, then on July 27 depart for the United States, where we’ll remain until August 8,” confirmed Coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“We’ll take part in a friendly match on July 28 in Miami and then another two games in Philadelphia.”
Genoa defender Kakha Kaladze has announced his retirement from football, as he will go into politics in Georgia.
“I am moved to tell you that after 18 years of football I’ve decided to retire,” said the 34-year-old.
“I must thank Genoa, Milan, the fans and all of my teammates. I will begin a new adventure, as I have decided to go into politics. I want to fight for liberty and democracy in Georgia.
“I dream of a Georgia in which my children can grow in freedom. I want my country to become part of the EU and of NATO.”
Politics are very close to Kaladze’s heart and he already has experience of the worst aspects of Georgian life.
In 2001 his brother Levan, a medical student, was kidnapped and a ransom requested, but he was found dead in 2006.
Kaladze is a FIFA ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages, founded a foundation of charitable works that raised €50,000 for South Ossetian refugees during the conflict with Russia and also owns a restaurant in Milan.
Gattuso: 'Bye AC Milan, hello Rangers' 12.5 ||webmaster
Gennaro Gattuso has held an emotional press conference for his farewell to Milan and admits his dream is “to go back to Glasgow Rangers.”
The midfielder’s contract expires next month and he has decided to walk away from San Siro along with Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Mark van Bommel and most likely also Clarence Seedorf and Gianluca Zambrotta.
“I want to thank Milan and all those who helped me in these years. Being here was a dream over 13 incredible years, wearing the jersey that is closest to my heart. Now life goes on and I hope to not have any more problems with my eyes.”
He has missed most of the season due to an ocular condition that meant he saw double and needed steroids to correct the medical issue.
“I still want to battle and prove I am not dead in football terms. Both Adriano Galliani and the club showed great respect by offering me another year on my contract, but like Nesta I preferred to take another path. I will decide with my family where I’ll play. Clearly out of respect for Milan I’d never go to Inter or Juventus, but then those clubs don’t want me anyway!
“I never dared say I wanted a first team shirt at all costs. I always respected the decisions of the clubs and Coaches, even when I made a mistake with Leonardo. I turned down the renewal because I don’t want to be a weight on anyone. I felt within me the need to go and give fresh blood a chance. I no longer feel the same fighting spirit I always had.
“A few months ago I felt that I wasn’t going to play at all anymore and would take a role in the club. I felt a bit like a mascot recently, almost as if the team captains exchanged me before kick-off!”
Gattuso also looked back over the times when his warrior spirit went over the top, such as his rows with Leonardo and attempt to headbutt Tottenham assistant manager Joe Jordan.
“It’s true I made mistakes, but I hope by taking away those embarrassing moments I can cleanse Milan so they retain the spirit of Paolo Maldini, Billy Costacurta and Massimo Ambrosini, who is now the only one left of the old guard.
“Looking at my Coaches, Carlo Ancelotti was everything for me – he was tactician, father, friend and football fan. Carletto is Carletto, I think they ought to build a statue of him next to that of Nereo Rocco. Milan at that time was as strong as Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
“Beating Juventus and Inter on the road to the Champions League trophy in 2003 was the best moment. It goes without saying Istanbul was the worst defeat, as I was woken by nightmares for the next six months seeing Steven Gerrard and his Liverpool teammates celebrating.”
Fumbling a 3-0 lead to lose the trophy in 2005 aside, Gattuso has a strong rapport with Britain, his wife is Scottish and he admits he’d love to help rescue financially troubled Glasgow Rangers.
“My dream is to wear the Rangers shirt again. They’re in a bad situation at the moment, though. I left Salernitana as a 19-year-old and made my name in Glasgow. They’re having so many problems and don’t have an owner yet, but it would be a choice made from the heart. I’d like to finish off where I started.”
Milan have finally confirmed the open secret that Fiorentina and Italy man Riccardo Montolivo will join on a free transfer.
“Next season Montolivo will arrive and he is a very talented player with great technique,” Coach Massimiliano Allegri told Milan Channel.
The tactician made the announcement just before his scheduled press conference.
“In any case, Milan will remain competitive next year and we must continue the work we started last season. We need to begin again with great enthusiasm.”
The midfielder has been widely known to have a deal with the Rossoneri for just under a year, ever since he rejected the offer of a contract renewal with the Tuscans.
His contract expires with Fiorentina on June 30 and he will reinforce the Milan midfield, which has lost Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Mark Van Bommel.
Van Bommel: 'I'm leaving AC Milan' + Video 12.5 ||webmaster
Mark van Bommel has also announced he’s leaving Milan this summer for a return to PSV Eindhoven. “Maybe one day I’ll return as a Coach.”
The Dutchman is following in the footsteps of Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi in walking away from San Siro when his contract expires.
“I am leaving Milan and going back to Holland,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Maybe one day I’ll return as a Coach.
“Life is like that, at a certain point you have to move on. When I arrived here, everyone told me this club was like a family. I have to say, it was all true.”
Van Bommel has already played his last game in a Milan jersey, as he is injured and therefore unavailable for Sunday’s match with Novara.
Others widely expected to leave on free transfers next month are Clarence Seedorf and Gianluca Zambrotta.
It’s likely Milan’s departing veterans will be given a run-out against already-relegated Novara on Sunday.
This week Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi all confirmed they will not be extending the contracts that expire next month.
All three are in the squad for tomorrow’s final game of the season and are expected to play for the last time at San Siro.
Also included are Clarence Seedorf and Gianluca Zambrotta, who will be out of contract in June and are expected to move on.
Ignazio Abate sits out a ban, joined by the injured Christian Abbiati, Alexandre Pato, Urby Emanuelson, Daniele Bonera, Mattia De Sciglio, Sulley Ali Muntari, Maxi Lopez and Thiago Silva.
It is reported Milan had a summit last night to discuss rebuilding the squad with the likes of Mario Balotelli and Inter star Wesley Sneijder.
President Silvio Berlusconi, Vice-President Adriano Galliani and Coach Massimiliano Allegri dined together at the patron’s Arcore home.
It is widely reported this represents a show of faith in Allegri, who was criticised by Berlusconi for “throwing away” the Scudetto.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the tactician has requested more quality in midfield and an audacious option would be tempting Inter star Sneijder across the San Siro divide.
A cheaper and more home-grown alternative to Sneijder would be current Catania creative midfielder Francesco Lodi, whose contract expires in 2015.
There is also the proposal to bring Balotelli in from Manchester City, as the Italian is constantly at odds with the British tabloid press and is a self-confessed Milan supporter.
There has to be a process of renewal, especially as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi have confirmed they will leave at the end of the season.
More are expected to follow, including Clarence Seedorf and Mark van Bommel, so the average age of the squad will be reduced.
Clarence Seedorf will decide his future “within 15 days,” said his agent, as the Milan veteran considers a Botafogo offer.
The midfielder is one of several stars whose contract expires this summer and quite a few – Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi – have already confirmed they are leaving San Siro.
“He will make a decision on his future within 15 days,” agent Giovanni Branchini told Globo Esporte.
“His biggest worry, considering his curriculum, is to maintain the prestige and play at a high level.
“He must now resolve a few things, as he still has many ties in Italy. In any case, he will not transfer to a different Serie A club.”
Botafogo hope to tempt Seedorf, who already has a home in Brazil.
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Paris Saint-Germain “will re-open talks” with Milan for Alexandre Pato in June.
The French side had agreed a transfer in the mid-season window, but the deal suddenly collapsed when Pato and President Silvio Berlusconi pulled the plug.
“We had already talked about this in January and I think we will re-open talks in June,” Coach Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.
Meanwhile, other Rossoneri veterans like Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi have announced their departure.
“There is some disappointment, as these are players who had a great career at Milan, but life goes on. Other doors will open for them.
“As for Massimiliano Allegri, I think it is tougher to be the Coach of other clubs, as Milan have a great infrastructure. Milan has the ideal environment to work at your best, probably more than at any other club.”
There have been reports that PSG director Leonardo could be making a return to Inter in a behind the scenes role.
“Everything suggests Leo will stay here. His work has been greatly appreciated and there is so much more to do. He is motivated and happy in Paris.
“Are we like Manchester City? There are some differences. PSG will make targeted investments with new players to improve the quality of the team.”
Antonio Cassano gave a rare interview and shed tears on his dramatic year, missing out on the Scudetto and waving goodbye to so many Milan teammates.
FantAntonio’s career and even life were in the balance in late October when he suffered an ischemic stroke on the way back from a 3-2 win away to Roma, but has returned to the playing field five months after undergoing heart surgery.
“I like to help others and so I don’t really enjoy talking about myself,” confessed Cassano on Milan Channel.
“I felt good after the Roma game and was happy to be on the pitch, even if I’d only come off the bench. On the plane I caused absolute chaos and felt great.
“All of a sudden after stepping off the bus that transports you from the plane to the terminal, I felt really dizzy and couldn’t see out of my left eye. The doctor said he’d take me to hospital, but I didn’t want to and we argued about it for half an hour.
“When we finally decided, on the journey to the hospital I started having problems speaking. I could think clearly, but the words weren’t coming out. At that moment I thought about my son, to see him one more time...” said Cassano when fighting back tears.
“I was so pleased to receive so much affection from everyone, both in the football world and outside of it. They had understood I am crazy, but still honest and authentic.
“My son and my wife were the fundamental elements for me and I always asked the doctors to tell me the absolute truth. I am glad the medics were always very clear with me.
“I am not a believer in God, but before I used to take His name in vain a lot. Now, after the heart problem, I can’t seem to do it anymore, not even in thought. Maybe it’s destiny I came back to the field just before Easter.
“I feel good with everyone here, from the youngest kid to the most important star. I think Alexandre Pato is potentially the second best player in the world behind Leo Messi and hope his injuries can be over with so he can get back on top.
“When I had been at Milan for 10 days it felt like Paradise, but now it’s even better, as they treat you like a King. Those who leave Milan tend to immediately regret it.”
Those could include Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Nesta, who have all confirmed they will not be renewing their contracts this summer.
“It’s very sad for me, as these lads are abandoning us and will regret it straight away. It’s true there are times in which everyone has to make choices, as Nesta explained yesterday. I believe that he could’ve still done well here by cutting down on the number of games, but it was his decision and a big loss to us. I’d like to talk him into changing his mind.
“As for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, when we’ve got the ball, it’s like we won’t let others into our playpen. We have two strange heads on our shoulders, but we get along and love to play together. Ibra does well to fire up Milan. He can do what he wants, as long as he scores!”
The Rossoneri missed out on the Scudetto and Cassano congratulated Juventus for their victory, but added there were reasons behind the defeat.
“We had a million injuries and without those probably would’ve been six or seven points clear. We are the strongest team in Italy, clearly in front of the rest. We haven’t been as consistent as Juve this season, but we start next term aiming to win everything.
“I only know how to talk about football, as I have no alternatives! I follow every League and that causes some rows with my wife, because I’d never stop watching football.”
Milan have officially extended the contract of Mario Yepes to June 2013, as the defender was set to become a free agent.
The club announced the new deal this afternoon, just hours after Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Nesta confirmed they would not be renewing their contracts.
Yepes was signed as a free agent when his Chievo contract expired in the summer of 2010.
The Colombian international captain is 36 years old and this season has one goal in 10 official appearances for Milan.
Gattuso, Inzaghi confirm AC Milan exits 11.5 ||webmaster
Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi have both confirmed that they will be leaving Milan at the end of the season.
After holding talks with Adriano Galliani on Friday, it was initially believed that a one-year contract would be offered to Gattuso, despite his struggles this year for playing time, having been afflicted with a rare eye condition.
However, the 34-year-old midfielder has instead announced that he will be leaving the club in June and even hinted at his retirement.
“Tomorrow we will hold a press conference at Milanello,” Gattuso told reporters at Milan after the meeting.
“I'll take a year out, this is goodbye and we’ll see what happens in the coming year. I have nothing on the table at the moment.
“I’ve missed a year with injury and I have realised that now there is no space for me here, so it’s time to make way for players that are younger than me.
“I will meet again with Milan in the next year, but not as a player.”
Meanwhile, Inzaghi, who has barely featured this season and was more widely anticipated to leave, wrote a long letter bidding farewell to the club’s fans.
Whilst he is expected to continue playing on, as confirmed by his brother on Thursday, Inzaghi has looked to make clear his affinity to the Rossoneri in writing goodbye.
“The first and only thing I want you to know forever is this - I have played and won for us,” the striker wrote on the club’s official website.
“To play and win without sharing emotions is nothing, but you and I, us, we did everything together.
“We hoped, we suffered, we cheered, we celebrated. We lifted cups and titles together with our hearts. We were always on the same wavelength. And no-one can ever take this away.”
Gattuso and Inzaghi follow Alessandro Nesta in leaving the San Siro outfit at the end of the season.
Thiago Silva: Replacing Nesta, a great responsibility 11.5 ||webmaster
Thiago Silva has reflected on the challenge of replacing Alessandro Nesta’s leadership in the Milan defence.
Nesta announced on Thursday that he will be leaving the Rossoneri at the end of the season.
After a decade leading the club’s back-line, the 36-year-old was quick to identify Silva as his natural heir and a player that the rest of the team can look towards for years to come.
“Being here carries a great responsibility,” the Brazilian told reporters on Friday in response.
“Previously, I had the responsibility of being heir to Paolo Maldini because I took his place in the team and now there is another great player stopping in Nesta…It is sincerely difficult to describe a great champion like him.
“He’s a great man, he helped me a lot in these last two years when we have played together and I’m so sorry because he is so good for the squad and for keeping dressing room together too. With his departure, Milan loses on both counts.”
Nesta is likely to be joined by a host of other big names to depart Milan this summer.
“All great players have great responsibility. Milan loses so much with the farewells of Nesta, Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi and Gianluca Zambrotta. Leaving us are great champions, it is not easy to immediately replace them.
“If you make a new team and change 100 per cent or many pieces at once, it is not easy to be competitive, so you have to have quality players, personalities like Zlatan Ibrahimovic become more valuable.
“Milan is not just about Thiago Silva, there are many quality players that will help us begin again. With the players that are staying, like Antonio Nocerino, who has done well, and Ibra, then we can start to again do well.”
Silva has been compared to Franco Baresi in playing style, something that he revealed he holds dear and is one reason why he wants to stay at San Siro.
“I enjoy it because being compared to Baresi makes me very happy and I hope to still do well because I have many reason to progress here.
“I hope to continue to do well because I want to repeat the type of history that Baresi and Maldini made here.”
AC Milan look for Nesta replacement 11.5 ||webmaster
Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he left Milan because he was no longer in the first team plans of boss Massimiliano Allegri.
The playmaker quit the Rossoneri on a Bosman last summer to join Juventus and he subsequently inspired their Scudetto success.
“Milan offered me a one-year extension, but I wanted three years because I was younger than the other players whose contracts were expiring,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“But the real reason behind why I left Milan was because Allegri wanted to use Massimo Ambrosini or Mark Van Bommel in front of the defence instead of me.
“That meant that I had to change position on the pitch. So I said ‘no thanks’ to Milan and chose Juventus.
“Milan decided that I was no longer useful to them. I understood that immediately during our meeting.”
Some were surprised by Pirlo’s decision to leave champions Milan for a team who had finished the previous two seasons in seventh place.
“When I was at Gigi Buffon’s wedding in June last year, people asked me if I was crazy because I had left,” he added.
“I then replied that when I decide to join another club, I do it because I want to win. And I also said that we would win the Italian championship.
“And now those same people thank me because they went and put money on us winning the Scudetto…”
While Juventus enjoyed the assists of Pirlo, Milan did struggle at times without his calmness and vision.
“A lot of my former teammates told me that they missed me during the campaign,” he added. “But I’m happy as I won.
“Almost all of my former teammates at Milan sent me text messages congratulating me on winning the Scudetto.”
The 32-year-old has fond memories of his time with the Diavolo, but he admits that their attempt to get him suspended for a Cup game after an alleged elbow on Van Bommel was uncalled for.
“That annoyed me,” he continued. “I played there for 10 years and they know that I don’t do certain things…”
The experienced Italian international also took advantage of the interview to praise ‘rookie’ Coach Antonio Conte.
“Conte is a great. I’ve had a lot of Coaches in my career, but never one who has been so prepared, so meticulous in his work and who explains things so well.
“We watch videos of our opponents three or four times a week and it's difficult for them to surprise us as a result.
“In terms of tactics and the way he teaches, he’s better than Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.”
With the Scudetto won, Pirlo now believes that his side can be a force in next season’s Champions League.
“This Juve is one of the strongest ever in terms of mentality and pride,” he commented. “We can make a bid for the Champions League as we are now by playing in the same way.
“But we’ll need a few signings to complete the squad, even if we would have done well in the competition this season.”
Pippo Inzaghi is almost certain to end his Milan career this summer, but as his brother confirms, not his playing career.
Inzaghi, who will be 39 by the start of next season, has barely featured for the Rossoneri this season, having struggled for fitness and then to convince Coach Massimiliano Allegri of more playing time.
With Pippo set to leave the club this summer, his brother Simone, a retired striker and now Coach of the youth team at Lazio, has revealed that this doesn’t spell the end of his playing career.
“Pippo has made history with Milan and is genuinely impacted by his departure,” reflected Simone Inzaghi to Tuttomercatoweb.
“He is grateful to the Rossoneri for what they have done, but I think there is also gratitude from the club and the fans for him too.
“Pippo is still physically fit and knows he can play on for a couple more years. Managed in the right way he can still give so much to football.
“This year he had expected to play a bit more, but saying that, he was recovering from a very bad injury.
“He’s not decided on his future yet, but he is aware that he can still give so much to the game.”
Cragnotti: 'Nesta one of the game’s greatest' 10.5 ||webmaster
Former Lazio President Sergio Cragnotti has praised Alessandro Nesta, in reaction to the defender’s confirmation that he will leave Serie A this summer.
Nesta, 36, confirmed on Thursday that this will be his final season in the Italian top-flight, drawing to a close a two-decade-long career that has seen him win 19 major honours at club and international level.
Cragnotti, who held power at Lazio during Nesta’s emergence and later ascent to the role of club captain, paid tribute to the defender.
“Alessandro was one of the most important resources at my great Lazio,” remembered Cragnotti on Radio Sportiva. “Dino Zoff took him into the first time in 1993-94 and although he was very young you could already see he was a great talent. He contributed to building a great club.
“He is a simple man, who is totally dedicated to football and is one of the game’s greatest champions. His transfer to Milan was dictated by financial reasons - he had a great attachment to the Lazio shirt but realised it was necessary for the funds.
“Nesta’s farewell today is the choice of a great professional, he preferred to go and play elsewhere before waiting for a definitive decline.
“His heir? Thiago Silva can take his place.”
Cragnotti then turned his attention to the Aquile’s current season, that could end on Sunday with Champions League qualification.
“They have expressed some good football and Miroslav Klose has added value to the team. Should they get to third place and reach the Champions League then it would be a season to remember - it’s a shame about the lack of transfer activity in January.
“My experience? I’m happy for what I did with Lazio and I hope that soon the team can return to those levels.”
Stephan El Shaarawy is pleased with how his first season at Milan went on a personal note, even if the club haven’t won anything.
The 19-year-old joined the Rossoneri last summer from Genoa, having previously impressed in Serie B with Padova and has managed to appear in almost half of the unsuccessful title-chasers’ games this season.
“The season has been very good on a personal level,” reflected the Italian with Egyptian heritage on Milan Channel.
“Early in the campaign I did not anticipate playing many games, whilst they said that the Coach had little confidence in me.
“However, I have racked up 28 appearances, two of those in the Champions League, but I think also, maybe I could do better.
“In any case, I am satisfied and I am glad to have also proven myself.”
Alessandro Nesta has confirmed that he will leave Milan at the end of the season – a decade after joining the outfit.
The 36-year-old is out of contract in the summer and although he was offered an extension, he’s decided to terminate his Rossoneri adventure.
“This has been my last season with Milan,” he stated on Thursday. “I’m leaving. We’re playing at high levels and if I no longer feel important then I’d prefer to stay at home.
“I took this decision when I was feeling in good shape. I’ve won a lot but out of respect for the club and myself, I would like to go and try a different experience where I will be able to do something good.
“I made my choice in February. The club offered me a new one-year deal, but I decided that I didn’t want it.”
Rumours suggest that the 2006 World Cup winner will end up in the MLS with New York Red Bulls.
“I don’t know where I will be playing next season because I haven’t signed anything,” continued the 2002 capture from Lazio.
“I’ll go and play where the tempo is lower. An experience in America wouldn’t be bad, it’ll be a great adventure.”
The centre-back has won honours galore at San Siro and he’ll have fond memories of his time with the Italian giants.
“Carlo Ancelotti was the most important Coach in my career,” he added. “He was perfect. Winning the Champions League for the first time was the best memory.
“I’ll miss the people at Milanello who have been here on a daily basis for the last 10 years. I’ll also leave behind historic friendships with Massimo Ambrosini, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Christian Abbiati, Paolo Maldini – people who I have a bond with.”
Nesta is one of 10 players with expiring contracts and he’s suggested that he won’t be the only high profile exit before the start of next term.
“I leave Milan disappointed because we wanted to win the championship and could have.
“I don’t know what the future will hold for Milan because there will be a group of players leaving. I don’t know what the club will do.”
Milan observer Serginho says the club are still watching Paulo Henrique Ganso, but they won’t sell Alexandre Pato or Robinho.
The former San Siro winger still works for the outfit as a scout in South America and he’s told Globoesporte that Santos’ midfielder, 22, is still on their radar.
“There are few players like Ganso in the world,” Serginho noted. “He is of interest to great clubs like Milan who have him under observation.
“There is nothing concrete though, even if they continue to keep a close eye on him.”
Ganso was heavily linked with a move to the Stadio Meazza last summer, but no transfer took place.
“Robinho? He’s an important player and he’s part of Milan’s plans for the future,” Serginho continued. “I think it will be hard to negotiate his sale with the Rossoneri.
“I can also assure you that Milan have no intention of selling Pato. He’s a really important player who is wanted across Europe, but it’s impossible that the club will let him go.”
Seedorf heading for AC Milan exit 10.5 ||webmaster
Alessandro Nesta has confirmed he will “reveal my decision” on whether he’ll retire, extend at Milan or leave Italy in tomorrow’s press conference.
“I will reveal my decision tomorrow,” wrote Nesta on his Twitter account this evening.
The club also announced that he will hold a press conference at 14.00 local time on Thursday.
His contract expires at the end of the season, but it is not yet clear whether Nesta will hang up his boots, continue to play with the Rossoneri or accept an offer from MLS club NY Red Bulls.
Milan have given updates on injuries to Sulley Muntari, Daniele Bonera, Christian Abbiati and Mattia De Sciglio, while Alessandro Nesta plans an announcement.
The Rossoneri lost several players during the 4-2 derby defeat to Inter on Sunday evening.
Today the club confirmed De Sciglio has sprained his right ankle, Muntari sprained his right knee and Bonera suffered a left calf strain.
Goalkeeper Abbiati is also out of action with a right thigh strain.
Meanwhile veteran defender Nesta could well announce his retirement or his move to the American MLS on Thursday.
Milan confirmed Nesta will hold a press conference at 13.00 UK time.
Traoré: 'I'm signing for AC Milan!' 8.5 ||webmaster
Nancy midfielder Bakaye Traoré has confirmed he’s coming to Serie A. “I’m going to sign for Milan, one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
The Malian international recently turned 27 and has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.
“I am happy to finally announce that I’m going to sign for Milan. It’s an incredible sensation,” he told RMC radio.
“I am signing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. There will be a lot of competition for places, which is only normal, but there will also be the motivation to grow further.”
Traoré is out of contract with Nancy, so arrives on a free transfer.
Pato 'working intensely' on comeback 8.5 ||webmaster
Alexandre Pato has told Brazilian media he is “working intensely and thinking about the Olympics,” explaining his latest Milan injury setback.
The striker has barely featured this season due to a series of muscular problems, including a serious thigh strain just minutes after making his comeback at the Nou Camp.
“The decision to play in Barcelona was made by everyone, including me,” he told Rede Globo.
“I live for football. It is my work and my life. When I can run and kick a ball, I always do it with joy and a smile on my face. It’s exactly what I want to do.
“I want to get back to playing well, scoring many goals and giving my contribution to help Milan and the Seleçao.
“Now I am working intensely and thinking about the Olympics. The only way I can speak to Brazil manager Mano Menezes is by working on the pitch. I try to do my best.”
Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri was also interviewed by the Brazilian programme and praised ‘The Duck.’
“Pato is a very important player. He hasn’t been able to feature much this season, but he is very young and this is why I think he can become the best in the world.”
Inter, AC Milan track Bologna midfielder 8.5 ||webmaster
According to the player’s agent, there could be a Milan derby this summer for the signature of Bologna midfielder Gaby Mudingayi.
The 30-year-old former Torino and Lazio man has spent the last four seasons on the Rossoblu’s books at the Renato Dall’Ara and in the last two transfer windows has reportedly attracted the interest of Champions League-qualification-chasing Napoli.
Whilst the Vesuviani are again linked with the tough-tackling, Zaire-born Belgian international, the player’s agent believes Inter and Milan are also in the hunt.
“I can say that Milan and Inter are both interested in Mudingayi. He’s been working very well for the last two years at Bologna, having extraordinary seasons,” Federico Pastorello told Sky Sport Italia on Tuesday. The Felsinei reportedly paid Lazio €7m for Mudingayi’s services in 2008.
Agent: Pato flattered by Ancelotti 8.5 ||webmaster
Alexandre Pato’s agent has reignited rumours linking the Brazilian striker with a switch to Paris Saint-Germain. “We’d be happy if Ancelotti called.”
The youngster, who has struggled with injury at Milan in the past few seasons, was reportedly on the verge of a transfer to the Parisian outfit in January, only for Rossonero President Silvio Berlucsoni to allegedly intervene and halt the deal.
However, rumours of negotiations reopening have persisted, with PSG’s Coach Carlo Ancelotti more than once hinting that he would like to reunite with the striker he worked with previously at San Siro.
Asked about the tactician’s wish to work with his client, Pato’s agent did not rule out the possibility of a move this summer.
“Ancelotti is a great Coach, we’d be happy if he were to call us,” Gilmar Veloz told Tuttomercatoweb.
“With the Coach, Alexandre has always has a great relationship, his esteem is cause for satisfaction. Let’s see what happens…
“Alexandre is fine at Milan, in addition to having a contract with the club.
“But, Ancelotti is a great Coach and we valued it when he said that my client is a target, we were very pleased.
“The transfer market will be discussed in due course.”
Meanwhile, the player told Brazilian television at the weekend of his ambition to represent Brazil at the London 2012 Olympics late this summer.
The latest reports in Italy suggest Milan are considering offering Mathieu Flamini a new two-year contract to stay at the club.
The Frenchman has struggled for fitness in four years with the Rossoneri and has in fact not featured at all this season under Massimiliano Allegri.
With his €4.5m annual contract set to end in June, it was anticipated that the 28-year-old would be leaving the club this summer.
However, Sky Sport Italia believe that Adriano Galliani, who is in the process of offering new contracts this week, is set to include the midfielder, but at a much-reduced salary of €1.75m. Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic earned more at the club last season.
Reports are gathering pace that Milan will look to sign Torino stopper Angelo Ogbonna over the summer.
The Rossoneri, fresh from losing the Scudetto to Juventus, intend to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next term.
Milan have already conceded eight more goals this season in the League than they did last time out – and they still have a game to play.
With Alessandro Nesta and Mario Yepes possibly on the way out once their contracts expire in June, as well as the form problems of Philippe Mexes, Ogbonna is on the Rossoneri radar.
The centre-back, who will be 24 this month, has again been impressing for Torino in Serie B this season. His form has been so good that he is in the plans of Italy boss Cesare Prandelli.
It’s unclear how much Torino value the youngster at, with some reports suggesting that €10m would be enough, while others are quoting double that price.
Ogbonna, who recently claimed that he has never been close to leaving Turin, is contracted at Toro until June 2016.
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi believes the 2011-12 Scudetto was lost by his Rossoneri team, but he confirms Coach Max Allegri for next season.
Juventus sealed the League title on Sunday evening after stretching their lead over Allegri’s team to an insurmountable four points with just one game to now play.
However, Berlusconi believes that whilst the Bianconeri deserve credit for their success, it was also assisted by Milan’s shortcomings.
At the end of March, the San Siro outfit commanded a four-point lead over Juve, but saw that dissipate after a run of one win from four games.
“We lost the championship because it was us who threw it to the wind, it’s our fault,” admitted the club’s owner, speaking in Moscow today.
“But Juve have also earned it through perseverance, they were unbeaten and it showed. Truly heartfelt congratulations.
“Allegri? He has a two-year contract, I don’t see why there should be these discussions about him.”
AC Milan need rejuvenating, says Gattuso 7.5 ||webmaster
Gennaro Gattuso has suggested that Milan will have to lower the average age of the squad ahead of next season.
The Rossoneri lost the Scudetto last night when they were defeated 4-2 to Inter and Juventus defeated Cagliari to win the title.
“We have to congratulate Juventus because they had a great season and they grew Sunday after Sunday,” the veteran midfielder stated. “We really have to take our hats off to them.
“We were penalised by a lot of injuries that I can’t explain the reason for and we didn’t have the same mentality as they had.
“This Milan squad is a little old and reinforcements are always needed – even when you win.”
Many of the side’s ageing stars are coming towards the end of their contracts, including the 34-year-old Gattuso who has missed most of the season with an eye problem.
“I’ll speak to Vice-President Adriano Galliani about my future,” added the former Rangers and Salernitana man.
“It’s been an odd season for me, but I still want to play. If that isn’t possible then I’ll stay at home with my kids and be a dad.
“It’s not important for me to have a contract, I just need to feel alive.”
AC Milan still satisfied with season 7.5 ||webmaster
Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has congratulated champions Juventus, but insisted his side’s campaign has not been a failure.
The Rossoneri will finish the season empty-handed after last night’s 4-2 loss to Inter gave Juve the Scudetto with one game left to play.
“Juventus have won and my compliments go to them,” he stated. “We’ve finished second after last year’s first, therefore we’ll get going again.
“Now we are just concentrating on ending the season on Sunday and then we’ll think about next term.
“We have time to analyse what has happened during the campaign, but we are nevertheless satisfied with what we achieved.
“We’ve finished first and second since Coach Massimiliano Allegri arrived. It has been a positive campaign, even if we wanted to finish it differently.”
Galliani was then asked about the club’s plans for players – both in terms of the transfer market and the 10 men who have contracts expiring in June.
“New signings? We already have world class players,” he responded.
“We’ll start to discuss the renewals this week. I don’t know with whom we will start with, there is no order, but the doors are open.”
Alessandro Nesta, Massimo Ambrosini, Gennaro Gattuso, Flavio Roma, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mario Yepes, Mark Van Bommel, Mathieu Flamini, Clarence Seedorf and Pippo Inzaghi have just weeks left on their deals.
Nocerino proud of AC Milan challenge 7.5 ||webmaster
Antonio Nocerino has congratulated former club Juventus for winning the Scudetto. “We’ll be back next season though,” said the Milan man.
The Rossoneri went into last night’s fixtures just one point behind the Old Lady, but ended the evening conceding the title after their 4-2 loss to Inter.
“This team and this club never wastes time with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ and next season we’ll be aiming once again for the Champions League, the Scudetto and the Italian Cup,” said the midfielder.
“We gave all we had in the face of a lot of difficulties, but we were up against a Juventus team that never lost and that’s why credit goes to them. They did well.
“Unfortunately tonight when I saw Christian Abbiati and Daniele Bonera leave the field, it was the story of our entire season.
“The important thing is that even with so many injuries we were in it to win it right until the end.”
Nocerino joined the Diavolo in the summer from Palermo for just €500,000 and he has no regrets about his decision.
“It was emotional to see the Curva like that before the derby, a great choreography that made me feel proud to be a part of this team and this club.
“We have amazing fans. If I have to take something positive from the season, it has been that, their support.
“It was an emotional evening and I’m very proud to be a part of the Milan family. It gives us the strength to roll up our sleeves and to be even more determined to give our all.”
Title-less Ibrahimovic makes AC Milan pledge 7.5 ||webmaster
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has again underlined his commitment to Milan – even after missing out on his first League title in eight years.
The super Swede had won successive championships during spells at Ajax, Juventus’ Calciopoli Scudetti, Inter, Barcelona and Milan last season.
However, his dreams of nine in a row ended on Sunday when his side lost 4-2 to Inter and Juventus’ win against Cagliari ensured them the title.
“It’s disappointing that we didn’t win the Scudetto, but this has been my best scoring season on a personal level,” said the man with 28 in 31 League games.
“My future? I have a contract at Milan and I intend to respect it.”
Stories last week suggested that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, his former Coach at Inter, has asked him about the possibility of moving to the Spanish capital.
Massimiliano Allegri complimented Juventus for their Scudetto victory and felt Milan paid a price for injuries, both overall and in the derby.
“Juventus won the title, deserved to win it and it was a fascinating season with two teams on many points. Compared to last season, many more points were needed,” said the Coach after a 4-2 defeat to Inter.
“Juventus had a great campaign, so did we despite all of the problems we went through from injuries to incidents. I thank the lads for the work they did this year and next term we’ll be here fighting again.
“It’s difficult to say what Milan lacked compared to last year. We did make mistakes that forced a heavy price, including tonight when we were close to going 3-2 up and instead went 3-2 down.
“We played pretty well tonight and did all we could to bring home the result, but this is football. Last season Samuel Eto’o missed an open goal from point-blank range in an important moment of the game and we won 3-0.
“We lost Daniele Bonera after 10 minutes, Christian Abbiati had a thigh strain, we had to end the match with Mattia De Sciglio limping on a swollen ankle. It’s just one of those years.
“I don’t think there is a gap from Juventus, as these teams are on the same level and it will be interesting to see how they fare next season when they have to deal with the Champions League.
“We have some players reaching the end of their contracts and must evaluate with the club what we will do to reinforce the squad.”
Serie A: Inter 4:2 AC Milan - match report 6.5 ||webmaster
Inter destroyed Milan’s Scudetto hopes with a controversial and spectacular 4-2 victory in the Derby della Madonnina!
The Rossoneri closed the gap to just one point midweek and absolutely had to beat their rivals to keep that title race alive into the final round. It was also a huge occasion for the Nerazzurri, as Andrea Stramaccioni fought for his job, city pride and a place in Europe. It was also Ivan Ramiro Cordoba’s chance to say goodbye to San Siro after 13 years and he embraced each of his teammates before kick-off.
Milan’s injury list included Thiago Silva, Clarence Seedorf, Luca Antonini, Alexandre Pato, Pippo Inzaghi and Gianluca Zambrotta. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Robinho pushed Antonio Cassano on to the bench while Sulley Muntari faced his former teammates. Inter missed Diego Forlan, Andrea Poli, Luc Castaignos, Dejan Stankovic and Cristian Chivu, but Javier Zanetti returned to the starting XI after his injury, meaning he hasn’t missed a Milan derby since 1997.
News filtered through after five minutes that Juventus had taken the lead in Trieste. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a great chance to break through on 11 minutes, but flicked the Robinho cross with the outside of his boot and it sailed over from six yards.
Inter took the lead when Wesley Sneijder flicked a free kick to Walter Samuel, who got away from Daniele Bonera, and pulled it back across for Diego Milito to tap in undisturbed. The Rossoneri defenders seemed to wait around for an offside flag that never came, as Bonera was keeping them all in play.
Fredy Guarin unleashed a screamer that flew wide of the far post. There was a bizarre moment when the ball went out of play and Robinho got into a row with the Inter physio, who tried to delay putting it back on to the pitch.
Inter thought they had doubled their lead when Sneijder’s blockbuster stung Christian Abbiati’s palms and Lucio put the follow-up into the net, but the defender was clearly offside. Bonera joined the injury list with a calf problem, making way for teenager Mattia De Sciglio.
Douglas Maicon had a risky backpass to Julio Cesar with De Sciglio hovering, while the goalkeeper later smothered a Mark Van Bommel daisy-cutter.
There was chaos in the Milan box on 32 minutes when Abbiati flapped an Esteban Cambiasso header away – perhaps with it crossing the line completely – and then needed a follow-up save on Sneijder at the base of the near post. In performing these acrobatics, the goalkeeper gave himself a thigh strain and had to be replaced by Marco Amelia.
Ibrahimovic held off two defenders to shoot at the near post and Julio Cesar threw himself at his feet to smother from point-blank range.
Julio Cesar also rushed off his line to take the ball off Boateng’s foot when he sprung the offside trap from an Antonio Nocerino through ball. The referee pointed to the spot, but the replays clearly show the goalkeeper got the ball, making his furious protests entirely understandable. Ibrahimovic stepped up against his former club and Julio Cesar tried to put him off with some mocking comments to his face, but the Swede buried it into the near bottom corner. After scoring, Ibra replied: ‘I told you.’
It took all of 40 seconds for Milan to go in front after the restart. The Inter defence was taken by surprise, as Ibrahimovic flicked on a pass to go between two defenders and placed a snooker shot in off the far post.
Sneijder tried an audacious lob from the halfway line that almost surprised Amelia, but the goalkeeper palmed it on to the upright. From the corner Samuel appeared to be brought down by a combination of Muntari and Mario Yepes, but the referee waved play on.
Moments later Inter did indeed get their penalty, as Ignazio Abate clearly pulled back Milito. El Principe stepped up and buried it to make the derby 2-2, getting the Nerazzurri back on level terms.
Muntari looked ready to equalise when Ibra knocked down a corner, but he only prodded it inches wide with his knee from two yards!
Robinho forced Julio Cesar to beat away at the base of the near post, then Yepes nodded wide from a Boateng cross. Robinho blasted over and Muntari hit the side-netting from an improbable angle.
Julio Cesar palmed an Abate snapshot out from under the bar and at the other end Amelia plucked a dangerous Sneijder strike out of the air.
The referee awarded another penalty for an Alessandro Nesta handling offence, though it seemed as if Giampaolo Pazzini nodded it on to his arm from close range. The arm was still raised, so the referee pointed to the spot and Milito fired under the bar to complete his hat-trick.
Milan had penalty appeals for a Cambiasso handling offence, but the referee judged it to be off his chest.
Douglas Maicon put the derby and the Scudetto race beyond doubt with Inter’s fourth goal, hitting an unstoppable strike from distance that left Amelia rooted to the spot. It was a missile into the far top corner.
Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Nagatomo; Guarin (Obi 61), Cambiasso, Zanetti; Sneijder, Alvarez (Pazzini 77), Milito
Milan: Abbiati (Amelia 34); Abate, Nesta, Yepes, Bonera (De Sciglio 21); Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari (Cassano 78); Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Robinho
Ref: Rizzoli
Serie A: Inter vs. AC Milan - lineups 6.5 ||webmaster
Julio Cesar says Inter have every reason to fight for tonight’s derby victory over rivals Milan. “We owe it to our fans.”
It has been a disappointing campaign for the Nerazzurri with early exits from the Champions League and Coppa Italia, not to mention three different Coaches and a struggle to even qualify for Europe.
“In a derby there are no favourites, as the derby is a derby, like a whole other season by itself,” the goalkeeper told Inter Channel.
“Both Inter and Milan could be bottom of the table and we’d still fight tooth and nail not to lose the derby.
“We don’t want to lose this for us and for the tifosi, as we owe it to our fans. With a result we could make this rather ugly season into a moment the fans can at least enjoy.”
It is also a special game for Julio Cesar, who marks his 300th appearance in an Inter jersey.
“They were 300 individual stories, more beautiful ones than bad.”
Lippi: 'Juventus won't get it wrong' 6.5 ||webmaster
Marcello Lippi is confident Juventus will clinch the Scudetto this season. “Milan have been unlucky, but the Bianconeri won’t get it wrong.”
The title race will be over this evening if Juve beat Cagliari and Inter avoid defeat in the Derby della Madonnina.
“In theory anything could still happen, but the derby is a big risk for Milan,” 2006 World Cup winner Lippi told Tuttosport.
“On the other hand, I struggle to think that Juve, especially after dropping points to Lecce on Wednesday, will allow victory to get away from them against Cagliari.
“I agree with Massimiliano Allegri, who said if both teams win tonight, then the final round will not change the table.
“I don’t believe Juve are getting stingy with their efforts. This team has head, heart and the desire to finish this magnificent journey on a high. The draw with Lecce really was out of nowhere.”
Antonio Conte was Lippi’s captain during his strongest Juventus era and could now start a new phase in the club’s history.
“The first step is certainly to win the title. After that you must create a squad capable of surviving the double commitment of domestic and European competition, because that changes a great deal.
“Juve are the positive face of this season, as they progressed much quicker than anyone expected and were aided by the end of the Inter era and the distraction of Napoli, who concentrated on the Champions League.
“Milan’s myriad of injuries also contributed, as they were unlucky. However, if at the end of the day Juventus do win the Scudetto, then they will have deserved it by working very hard.”
Lippi has been linked with a return to the bench for the first time since the ill-fated 2010 World Cup.
“The next stadium I step into will not be an Italian one. Is an announcement imminent? No, but I am in contact with different federations.”
Christian Abbiati has an eye on Juventus and another on tonight’s opponents Inter, but also reassures Gigi Buffon.
The Scudetto race was blown wide open midweek when Buffon’s howler allowed Lecce a 1-1 draw in Turin, closing the gap to just one point.
“I made 100 more mistakes like that,” smiled Abbiati. “I show honest solidarity to a friend and a great person. He’ll be distraught at letting down his teammates, but I’m sure Gigi will make up for it in the next game.
“It’s only normal that Milan should believe in the Scudetto and fight to the end. There are only two games to go and we have to approach them as best we can. All we can do is win and hope Juventus slip up.”
The Rossoneri have a tougher fixture list, as tonight they face local rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.
“I see a united Inter group with a new Coach who helped them climb back up the table. I fear their desire to prove a point, because they’ve struggled this season and want to target a Champions League spot.”
Cossu: 'Why I want to beat Juventus' 6.5 ||webmaster
Massimiliano Allegri can count on special friends at Cagliari to trip up Juventus tonight. “They sent us into Serie B,” noted Andrea Cossu.
Milan are one point adrift of the leaders and Allegri has to hope his former club, including many of the players he launched in Serie A during his time there, can hold the Bianconeri.
“If you beat Juve, then you are the only ones who did it. If you draw, you enter the history books as Scudetto deciders,” said Davide Astori.
“Allegri is a unique and truly incredible person. We all owe him a great deal.”
Cossu has already scored against Juve this season in a 1-1 draw in Turin and has an ulterior motive to cause an upset.
“Allegri is a great man, but I want to win for Cagliari. We don’t forget that 20 years ago Juve sent us into Serie B.”
Milan are without Luca Antonini, Thiago Silva and Clarence Seedorf for the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday evening.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri has named his 21-man squad for the crunch match against rivals Inter.
Antonini has joined the injury list that already includes Thiago Silva, Seedorf, Alexandre Pato, Gianluca Zambrotta, Alexander Merkel and Pippo Inzaghi.
Milan squad: Abbiati, Amelia, Abate, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mexes, Nesta, Yepes, Ambrosini, Aquilani, Boateng, Flamini, Gattuso, Muntari, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Cassano, El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic, Maxi Lopez, Robinho.
Massimiliano Allegri expects a very attacking Inter in the Milan derby, but warns “whoever is on top tomorrow evening is 99 per cent sure of winning the Scudetto.”
The Rossoneri sliced the gap at the top of the table from four to just one point thanks to the midweek round, but the Coach warns this title is still very much in the hands of Juventus.
“I believe whoever is on top tomorrow evening is 99 per cent sure of winning the Scudetto, although anything can happen,” said Allegri.
“If I had to play one of our games again, it may well be the head-to-head with Juve. However, I’d also like to point out we picked up five points in the first five rounds. Not everything can be decided by a single match. Milan have had an important campaign and it could get even more important tomorrow evening.
“We do hope that we don’t end up on level points with Juventus, as that would be pretty irritating.”
If the two teams do finish joint top, then Juve will win the title thanks to their superior record in head-to-head meetings this season.
While the Bianconeri visit Cagliari on neutral turf in Trieste, Milan take on rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.
“I expect a very attacking Inter side, as they have done well recently and are still in the race for third. The derby is always a special game and we must put in a great performance, as we really can afford only one result.
“Inter will also be highly motivated because they have two objectives – staying in the Champions League hunt and winning the derby. We’ve just got to make sure we’re even more motivated.”
Thiago Silva has not recovered in time for Sunday’s match and there are reports he won’t be ready next week either.
“To be a point behind Juventus with all the injuries we’ve had means a lot,” insisted Allegri. “There are so many qualities within this squad. We must face the derby with courage and the awareness we can win and only then see what’s happening elsewhere.
“I have complimented Antonio Conte throughout the campaign, because Juventus have had a great season. Regardless of how it ends, it has been a wonderful season and a great challenge for the title.
“Antonio Cassano or Robinho? I will evaluate their form today, including Stephan El Shaarawy and Maxi Lopez. I rested Ignazio Abate midweek, but he is certainly ready.”
Allegri was asked whether he would ever accept the Inter job in future and had a cryptic reply.
“I have two years left on my contract, so I’ll tell you in two years.”
Naturally, the Coach was also asked about Delio Rossi’s dismissal from Fiorentina for attacking player Adem Ljajic.
“It was a great shame, as a fraction of a second later Rossi immediately regretted his actions. I think at times there needs to be more respect for players towards their Coach. There is so much stress and mistakes can happen, for these are professionals, but also men. Respect and politeness for people are fundamental concepts and many say modern society has changed them, but I’d prefer to go back.”
Andrea Stramaccioni’s future on the Inter bench could well be decided by Sunday’s Milan derby. “I want to stay and am giving all of myself.”
The Coach was promoted from the Primavera youth team as their third tactician of the campaign after Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri, but fell to his first defeat at Parma midweek.
“We want to play well and win this game, especially as it comes at a moment in which we are fired up to the max,” said Stramaccioni.
“The city lives the derby atmosphere, also considering the importance of what is at stake. Is it decisive for my future? That is not a question for me. I think my work will be judged overall and this game will help people form a judgement on me. You’ll see what we want to prove tomorrow.
“Preparing for the derby means understanding what condition the players are in, both psychologically and physically. I will choose 11 players to start who are at 101 per cent. Everyone wants to play the derby and it is my job to pick the 11 in the best shape.
“I hear it said that the pressure is on Milan to win for the Scudetto, but we too need to and want to get the victory on Sunday night. It is both to reach our objectives and because it’s simply a derby, so until the last second of injury time both sides will give their all to win it.
“I know we are facing a team that is in front of us in the table and we want to prove there aren’t 22 points separating these squads. I hope Milan have all their stars at their disposal and it’ll be a derby at the highest level.”
It was reported the Nerazzurri would axe Stramaccioni if he failed to secure a Champions League qualifying berth, but they are now trailing Udinese, Napoli and Lazio in the race for third.
“There will be time to discuss the Europa League, but we are playing two crucial games first and want to get six points, then we’ll see where Inter are.
“How much do I want to stay from 0-10? 11. I am giving all of myself for this experience and the real dream was being picked. I feel that I am the Inter Coach and I want to stay here.”
Zaccheroni: 'AC Milan superior to Inter' 5.5 ||webmaster
Alberto Zaccheroni has managed both Milan and Inter, but feels the Rossoneri are “superior in every way” ahead of Sunday’s derby.
“The favourites are Milan and I think they have a great chance of winning. At this moment they are superior to Inter in every way,” the current Japan manager told Sky Sport Italia.
“Therefore right now my prediction is certainly in favour of Milan. Both teams are a little tired at this stage, as Inter had a chaotic season with so many ups and downs, not to mention three different Coaches.
“Milan showed good quality in their football, although not as consistent as Juventus throughout the campaign.”
Only one point separates the two teams at the top of the table with two rounds to go, as Juve dropped points against Lecce midweek.
“I was absolutely convinced Juventus would do well this year, but even I didn’t think they’d reach this point,” added ex-Bianconeri boss Zaccheroni.
“I was surprised by how they played, above all their consistency while changing tactical systems based on the characteristics of their opponents. This great motivation, determination and intensity were certainly unexpected by everyone.”
Although Milan are in the running for a second consecutive Scudetto, there are reports Massimiliano Allegri could be sacked.
“Allegri certainly deserves to stay on the bench because he won Serie A last season and, if the worst comes to worst, he’ll finish second this year. With all the injury problems he had to deal with, fighting to the end means he deserves another chance, in my view.”
The race for third place is also raging on, as Udinese and Napoli are currently joined together, followed by Lazio and Inter.
“People rarely talk about Udinese, but in my view they are the favourites. It’s true Lazio threw it away by dropping so many points, but the consistency and strength of Udinese should be underlined.
“Without taking anything away from Napoli, who at this stage may well be the favourites, I think the side that deserves third place is Udinese.”
Muntari: 'AC Milan better than Inter' 5.5 ||webmaster
Sulley Ali Muntari is particularly eager to prove a point against his old club in tomorrow’s derby. “I’m happy now, unlike at Inter.”
The midfielder made the switch across the divide and has found surprising success with the Rossoneri, scoring three goals since his loan move in January.
“Sunday’s match is very important and we have to win it to keep believing in the Scudetto,” the Ghanaian told Rai Sport.
“I am very happy at Milan now, as I came here with great enthusiasm. At Inter, however, I didn’t play consistently and could not be happy.
“I score more now because playing with great talents who help you like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Cassano and Kevin-Prince Boateng certainly puts you in a position to give your best.”
Muntari is critical of Inter, but his contract still belongs to the Nerazzurri.
“I won’t think about my future now, as I am concentrated on the next two games. At the end of the season we’ll talk it over with the club.”
Philippe Mexes insists “it hurts to read reports I want to leave Milan or had a fight with the Coach, as none of it is true.”
The defender is one of several players who could be sold over the summer and was recently rumoured to have joined Clarence Seedorf in a locker room argument with Massimiliano Allegri.
“It hurts to read reports I want to leave Milan or had a fight with the Coach, as none of it is true,” he told Milan Channel.
“After the knee injury it was not easy to get back on to the field, but now I want to get back to my usual levels.”
The Rossoneri are one point shy of Serie A leaders Juventus going into Sunday night’s derby with Inter.
“We did not expect to face the derby with only a one-point gap from Juve, as we didn’t see their draw with Lecce coming. Now we must believe to the end.
“We must win our remaining two games and hope for another slip-up from the Bianconeri. Thankfully the injury list is shrinking now and everyone will give their all.”
Inter’s Diego Milito reassured he will “certainly remain here, or at least I hope I will,” and looks forward to the “special” derby with Milan.
“I have always said that I am very happy, am at a great club and will certainly remain here. Or at least I hope I will,” the 33-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am sure Inter will become competitive again. Massimo Moratti is someone who always wants to see his team do great things and I’m confident he will invest so from next season we’ll be competitive on all fronts.”
The Nerazzurri lost 3-1 at Parma on Wednesday night, but are still in the running for a Champions League spot.
“We fell a little off the pace for third, but will try not to think about that right now. At the end of the season we’ll see how we are doing in the table and evaluate the situation.
“The derby is always a very special game and one we all feel passionate about. We will try to win for our fans. We know that we could be the turning point for the Scudetto, but the truth is we just want to make our supporters happy.”
Milan are just one point shy of Serie A leaders Juventus with two rounds to go.
Inter director Marco Tronchetti Provera looks forward to the derby and advises wayward Mario Balotelli. “It all depends on him.”
The striker grew up in their youth academy and was sold to Manchester City two years ago, but has been linked with a return to San Siro after picking up numerous red cards and suspensions.
“Mario is a young man who is starting his journey and has a potentially fantastic career in front of him. It all depends on him,” Tronchetti Provera told the Corriere dello Sport.
“I am very happy with City’s victory over Manchester United, because Roberto Mancini is a good man who deserves to win in England too.”
Inter have to focus on their own objectives, as they face Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday evening and are still in the running for a Champions League spot.
“A game like this is always experienced with passion, because it is not a match like the others. This is why I say the derby is fun to the very last minute.
“Are Milan favourites for this game and the Scudetto? We’ll see on the field... a derby is always a derby. The truth is I can’t get passionate about whether Milan or Juventus win the title. I prefer to concentrate on Sunday’s clash.”
Andrea Stramaccioni was promoted from the youth team as interim manager, but has impressed and could be confirmed on the bench next season.
“He has done better than anyone could’ve expected. He is a Coach with notable qualities and if he continues like this, then he’ll be fine.”
Boateng: 'AC Milan deserve Scudetto' 4.5 ||webmaster
Kevin-Prince Boateng would love a goal in the Milan derby on Sunday night and insists “we deserve the Scudetto.”
The Rossoneri closed the gap at the top of the table to just one point from leaders Juventus and continue to look back at their controversial 1-1 draw, in which Sulley Ali Muntari’s shot crossed the line but was not spotted by the officials.
“That incident was in the past and I don’t think it’s right to talk about it now, but it was important, as with that goal we’d have another two points and be the leaders,” Boateng told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have closed the gap and our objective is to keep believing to the end. We deserve the Scudetto, despite the fact Juventus had a good season. It was a strange campaign and we played so many matches.
“I was on the bench when news filtered through that Lecce had equalised against Juve. The whole stadium just exploded. We won and they made a mistake.
“Their fixture list is easier now, but they have the pressure on their shoulders, because if they slip up again then we are ready.”
Milan face rivals Inter on Sunday evening, while Juventus play Cagliari in Trieste.
“I’d love to score a goal in the derby, but the important thing is that the team wins. If I could take a player off Inter, it would be Wesley Sneijder, as he is a great friend and a great player.”
Thiago Silva is set to miss Milan’s derby with Inter this weekend as he reportedly struggles to return to full training.
The Brazilian centre-back has been out of action since late-March after suffering a thigh strain in the pre-match warm-up against Roma, which was then seemingly aggravated by his Coach’s decision to then start him.
After the midweek game with Atalanta, Massimiliano Allegri declared that the Brazilian would be back in training and ready for the weekend’s Milan derby with Inter.
However, the 27-year-old is now thought unlikely to feature, because whilst he did train on Friday, it was still separate from the main group and he did not go out on to the field at Milanello.
Allegri has reportedly been informed by medical staff that he cannot use the centre-back for the team’s Week 37 test.
Doubts also still remain on Luca Antonini and Urby Emanuelson’s fitness for Sunday evening, but Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta and Antonio Nocerino have all been passed fit.
Robinho has dismissed rumours of a departure this summer from Milan, insisting that he is happy at San Siro.
The Brazilian has found himself out of the starting line-up for the team’s past two League games, prompting rumours that his future at the club is up for debate.
However, the 28-year-old, who came off the bench to score against Atalanta in midweek, has moved to quell such talk today.
“I know football and I know that when you come to the end of season, there is always an over-exaggeration,” he reflected on Milan Channel on Friday.
“However, the truth is that I'm happy at Milan. Here at the club, I am calm, focused only on my team so as to give my best every day in training and I am exceptionally fond of the Milan supporters.”
Alberto Zaccheroni has underlined that Massimiliano Allegri has done enough to keep his job at Milan.
Allegri’s future has been placed into some doubt amid speculation that President Silvio Berlusconi is not convinced of his abilities.
Zaccheroni, who himself won a title with the Rossoneri before Berlusconi dismissed him, thinks it would be a mistake to release the former Cagliari tactician.
“Allegri certainly deserves to be confirmed for next season,” the Japan boss told Sky Sport Italia on Friday.
“After winning the title last season, the worst case scenario this time around is that the team finishes second with all of the problems it has had…”
Milan are just one point behind Juventus with two games left. They will play Inter on Sunday, a club who have also yet to confirm who will be their Coach next term.
“I don’t know what Inter will decide when it comes to Andrea Stramaccioni,” Zac, who bossed the Nerazzurri too, noted.
“In terms of my experiences, I would find it difficult to say that Massimo Moratti has already made a decision.”
Udinese have denied reports linking Juventus with a move for Luis Muriel this summer, insisting that he will return to the Zebrette for next season.
The 21-year-old Colombian has impressed this season on loan at Lecce and, in facing Juve this midweek, was linked to interest from them. This follows on from previous links to Inter and Milan.
However, Udinese’s sporting director has promised that the only Bianconero the player will be playing in next season will be that of the Friulani.
“Beyond this alleged interest from Juventus, Muriel is a player who will return to Udine to stay, there’s no doubt about this,” declared Fabrizio Larini to Ilsussidiario.net on Thursday.
“He is absolutely returning to us. What counts is our decision, until proven otherwise. We are the ones who will decide. Muriel is still a young boy and no doubt he will be in Udine next year.
“Would he be another player to be sold like Alexis Sanchez? No, nobody can say what the future holds. We can say though that the immediate future of Muriel is in Udine - after that, you’ll see.”
Milan’s Sulley Muntari is praying that title rivals Juventus drop more points between now and the end of the season.
The Old Lady were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw in Turin against Lecce last night, while Muntari scored in the Rossoneri’s 2-0 win over Atalanta.
“I’m praying to God that Juventus can be stopped again,” the central midfielder stated as his side are now just one point behind the leaders with two games left.
“Now we have to concentrate on the final two matches in the hope of ending the season at the top of the table.
“We deserve something important.”
The Ghanaian international joined the Rossoneri in January on loan from city rivals Inter. He’s also pitched in with some important goals – as well as netting the ghost goal that was not awarded versus Juve.
“I’m happy with my goal,” he stated after his latest strike. “It’s not my fourth goal though, it’s only my third…
“My teammates deserve the praise because I would not be able to do anything without them. Just look at the role Kevin Prince Boateng played last night.”
Inter President Massimo Moratti has conceded that his club will inadvertently help one of their great rivals – Milan or Juventus – to the title.
The Old Lady currently lead the Rossoneri by a point in the standings ahead of this weekend’s San Siro derby. Inter will go into that game needing a win for their hopes of a top-three finish.
“This season it looks like we’ll have to do a favour for one of them,” the oil baron noted on Thursday morning.
“Who would be better? I don’t really know, it would be the same…”
A win against Milan would favour Juventus in the title hunt, while a loss against the Rossoneri would see the Diavolo maintain the pressure or even overtake the Bianconeri this weekend.
Inter’s own season took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when they were defeated 3-1 at Parma. They are now three points behind Napoli and Udinese.
“Is our Champions League dream over? You never know with this championship,” he continued. “We certainly didn’t help ourselves last night.
“We did well in the first half at Parma, but if you make mistakes then you run the risk of losing. But I don’t think that Coach Andrea Stramaccioni made mistakes.
“Now we will face the derby with the same spirit as always. It’s a unique game and we won’t be favourites.”
Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani claims the club have no plans to revamp their attacking options in the summer.
There are suggestions that the Rossoneri will make some alterations after almost selling Alexandre Pato to Paris SG and then failing to sign Man City’s Carlos Tevez in January.
“We’re not thinking about changing our attack,” he told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday. “We’ll stay as we are.
“There will be time from May 14 until August 31 to think about the transfer market. Our thoughts for now are just on ending the season well.”
Milan are just one point behind leaders Juventus after the Old Lady conceded a late equaliser against Lecce last night.
“I was just walking around in the changing rooms and I didn’t believe it,” he added. “I thought it was a joke that Lecce had equalised, but it was true.
“It’s three or four games now that I decide to stop watching Milan matches with about 10 minutes left.
“I can’t predict the future, all I will say is that we are having a great season. We have 77 points with two games left.
“Let’s just look ahead and we did well to not give up on the Scudetto when everything seemed lost.”
Milan face Inter on Sunday before finishing against Novara, while Juve will play Cagliari and Atalanta.
Massimiliano Allegri says Milan “still believe and always believed” after cutting Juventus’ lead to just one point.
“With five minutes to go, the Scudetto was practically signed, sealed and delivered,” smiled the Coach whose side beat Atalanta 2-0.
“Sunday will be a wonderful evening anyway and we are really fired up for the derby. This fixture gets the players going anyway and perhaps we could not have asked for a better game, as we are highly motivated, certainly more than we were tonight.
“If we do well and Juve slip up again, then we can overtake them. The Scudetto is still in Juve’s hands, but we believe and we always believed.
“The last 15 minutes we felt like we were at the theatre waiting for the finale of an opera, because we knew only a Lecce result in Turin could help. It was difficult to predict, but that’s football!”
Serie A: AC MIlan 2:0 Atalanta - goals 2.5 ||webmaster
Serie A: AC Milan 2:0 Atalanta - match report 2.5 ||webmaster
Milan saw off Atalanta in a local derby and incredibly close to within a point of leaders Juventus!
The Rossoneri were hanging in there for the Scudetto, but time was running out and the gap was still three points. Antonio Cassano started again after his inspirational turn against Siena. Robinho and Massimo Ambrosini returned, but Clarence Seedorf, Alexandre Pato, Thiago Silva, Urby Emanuelson, Ignazio Abate, Gianluca Zambrotta and Pippo Inzaghi were still sidelined. Atalanta set a new club record for points and mathematically secured their safety at the weekend, so were eager to cause an upset in this local derby. Matteo Brighi, Guido Marilungo and Daniele Capelli did not make the trip, but Simone Tiribocchi partnered German Denis.
Milan started strong in their new kit, as in the opening three minutes they had three shots on target, one deflected wide, Kevin-Prince Boateng and the Zlatan Ibrahimovic follow-up both testing the goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.
Boateng again forced former Under-21 international Consigli into a tough save with a powerful strike, but it was Sulley Ali Muntari who broke the deadlock. The Ghanaian sprung the offside trap to volley in a Boateng cross low at the back stick from six yards.
Atalanta were in the game, though, as Christian Abbiati palmed away a splendid glancing German Denis header and Alessandro Nesta cleared the danger.
Consigli just about smothered at Cassano’s feet when Ferri risked an own goal with his deflection. Denis hit a daisy-cutter that skimmed the upright for Atalanta, then on the stroke of half-time Cazzola’s long-range strike shaved a coat of paint off the base of the far post.
Cassano combined with Ibra and the Swede’s finish was inches wide to Consigli’s right, as was an Antonio Nocerino strike. Luca Cigarini needed a perfectly-timed tackle in the box to stop Nocerino completing a Milan counter-attack.
Tiribocchi was offside, but the linesman did not flag, so his header wide counts as a terrible error from the striker.
Mathieu Flamini made a rare appearance after almost a year out with injury. Ibrahimovic should’ve made it 2-0, but horribly placed his lob off target when skipping between three defenders.
The atmosphere at San Siro was sluggish throughout, but suddenly sparked up into cheers when news filtered through that Lecce had equalised against Juventus. However, Milan hadn’t finished off this game either.
Ibrahimovic unleashed a screamer that Consigli parried just past Flamini. Robinho hit the crossbar at the 88th minute, then as the move continued he rolled across for Ibra to put the ball in the net when offside.
Milan finally got their second goal deep into stoppages when Consigli parried a fearsome Ibrahimovic free kick, but only into the path of Robinho to nod in from six yards.
AC Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Nesta, Mexes, Antonini; Nocerino, Ambrosini (Gattuso 77), Muntari; Boateng (Flamini 73); Ibrahimovic, Cassano (Robinho 68)
Gianluca Zambrotta has no idea whether he will be offered a new contract by Milan at the end of the season.
The defender is one of 10 players with expiring agreements and the outfit have refused to discuss renewals until the campaign comes to an end.
“The future starts after June 30,” agent Giuseppe Bonetto told Milan News. “Milan have the right to allow a player’s contract to run down and then evaluate things.
“Now, however, is not the time to think about what will happen. The championship is at a hot stage right now, so we’ll have to wait and see.
“His desire? It is certainly hard to leave when you are at a club like Milan. Things are really good here.”
The 2006 World Cup winner, formerly of Juventus, joined the Diavolo in the summer of 2008 for around €10m from Barcelona.
Zambrotta, 35, has played in just 11 League games so far this term.
Alberto Paloschi says he doesn’t yet know whether he will return to Milan once his Chievo loan ends.
The Italian Under-21 international joined the Flying Donkeys last summer, but it is unclear whether the Verona outfit will take up their option to sign a 50 per cent share in him.
“I don’t know what I will be doing next season,” stated the 22-year-old. “I’m just thinking about finishing the present campaign and then we’ll see.”
Paloschi, who has also spent time at Parma and Genoa in his career to date, has scored five goals in 30 League games this term.
Robinho is back in the Milan squad for tomorrow night’s game with Atalanta, but Clarence Seedorf has again been dropped.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri left out both players for the last two matches, suggesting they needed to regain their form, but there were reports of locker room rows.
Robinho has returned for the Wednesday evening midweek round, but Seedorf is still nowhere to be seen.
The injury list remains lengthy with Thiago Silva, Urby Emanuelson, Alexandre Pato, Ignazio Abate, Gianluca Zambrotta, Pippo Inzaghi and Flavio Roma on the treatment table.
AC Milan squad: Abbiati, Amelia, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mesbah, Mexes, Nesta, Yepes, Ambrosini, Aquilani, Boateng, Flamini, Gattuso, Muntari, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Cassano, El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic, Maxi Lopez, Robinho
Van Bommel to leave AC Milan for PSV 1.5 ||webmaster
Reports in Holland are suggesting that Mark Van Bommel will leave Milan for PSV Eindhoven at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old, according to Voetbal International, has already agreed terms with the Dutch club for 2012-13.
The midfielder will return to his former outfit on a Bosman free transfer given that his Rossoneri contract expires in June.
Milan and PSV will only confirm the deal once the season is over.
The former Barcelona player joined Milan in January 2011 on a six-month agreement from Bayern Munich, before being handed a new one-year contract last summer.
The player spent six years at PSV before his 2005 switch to Barcelona.
Van Bommel has played in 33 games across all competitions for the Diavolo this term.
Dejan Savicevic has revealed that he advised Milan to sign Stevan Jovetic before he joined Fiorentina.
The Montenegro fantasista is one of Serie A’s most talented players after moving to the Viola in 2008 from Partizan Belgrade.
However, Savicevic, who spent six years at Milanello as a player, spotted Jo-Jo’s talent while he was still a teenager.
“Six years ago I advised director Ariedo Braida to buy him for Milan,” the President of the Montenegro FA told TMW. “He didn’t listen.”
Jovetic missed all of last season with injury, but his 14 goals in 27 League games this term are a major reason why the Viola look like they’ll survive the drop.
“He can play for any club in the world,” Savicevic continued. “He’s demonstrated some great quality, just think back to what he’s done over the years. Do you remember the game against Liverpool in the Champions League?
“We are talking about a great talent. His future will depend on what Fiorentina decide to do on the transfer market.”
Palermo chief Maurizio Zamparini says he has no regrets about selling Antonio Nocerino to Milan last summer.
The Italian international joined the Rossoneri just hours before the transfer window closed in a deal that saw the Sicilian club net just €500,000.
“I’m not biting my hands over Nocerino,” President Zamparini told Mediagol. “I’m actually very happy for him.
“He already had an agreement with Milan, even if we offered him a new contract on more than one occasion.
“He’s doing really well and better than even the most optimistic predictions. However, it’s easier to play in midfield for Milan than it is at Palermo.”
Palermo cashed in on him rather than lose him on a Bosman free transfer to the Rossoneri in June 2012.
The 27-year-old has been a revelation at San Siro, scoring 10 goals in 33 League games so far this term. Palermo’s top scorer in Serie A this season is Fabrizio Miccoli with 13.
Ibrahimovic turns down Real Madrid option 1.5 ||webmaster
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly turned down an invite to join Real Madrid. “I’m happy at Milan.”
Reports in Italy on Tuesday are suggesting that Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, his former tactician at Inter, asked the forward about a possible move in a text message.
The Serie A top scorer, who has also played for Ajax, Juventus, Inter and Barcelona, is understood to have rejected such an idea.
“A new challenge would be great,” the Swede is quoted as saying in Afton Bladet. “But I’ve faced so many in my career and I have now learnt one thing – if you’re happy at a club then you should stay.
“I want to remain here. I’m happy at Milan, I could not ask for anything more and everyone treats me in the best possible manner.
“I won’t run away because I don’t need to. I want to stay at Milan.”
The 30-year-old, who joined the Diavolo in 2010, has struck 26 League goals – which include nine penalties – in 29 games so far this term.
“I’m like a good wine, I get better with age,” the international continued. “And I’m already thinking about next season with Milan.”
