| The Archive |
 |
July 2014
Orlando City confirm Robinho talks
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Orlando City President Flavio Augusto Da Silva confirms “Robinho wants to join us and we’re talking to Milan.”
The Florida club will join MLS in March 2015, so the deal would likely be the same as Ricky Kaka – spending the next six months on loan in Brazil.
“We haven’t yet bought Robinho, but we are talking to Milan and in our view he’ll be a great reinforcement for our team,” the Orlando City chief told Radio Bandeirantes.
“He is a great player, he just turned 30, is very motivated and showed he wants to play for our club.
“Would he spend six months on loan like Kaka? I respect the desire of the player very much. In case we were able to buy Robinho, he’d decide his destiny for the next six months.”
Balotelli: Arsenal or AC Milan captain?
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
While English media claim Arsenal offer €20m for Mario Balotelli, Italian sources suggest he can be Milan captain.
SuperMario’s future remains in the balance after a poor World Cup campaign and off the field antics, including posting a picture of himself on Twitter pointing a gun at ‘haters.’
According to Caught Offside and The Mirror, Arsenal are renewing their attempts to sign Balotelli.
The figures quoted are £15.8m (€20m) plus wages worth £160,000 per week (around €10m per season).
However, today the Corriere dello Sport maintains Milan should give the captain’s armband to Balotelli.
Current captain Riccardo Montolivo is out until October with a fractured leg, so the gesture from new Coach Pippo Inzaghi would put more responsibility on the 24-year-old’s shoulders.
Balotelli has always confessed to being a Milan supporter, even when he was playing for their arch rivals Inter.
Cerci prefers Inter to AC Milan
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Torino forward Alessio Cerci is considering his future, but reportedly favours Inter more than Milan.
The Italy international has not yet decided whether to stay at the club, who qualified for the Europa League preliminary rounds.
There has been interest from the likes of Monaco and Atletico Madrid, while Roma and Juventus pulled out.
Inter and Milan remain the top candidates to tempt Cerci away from the Granata.
According to Tuttosport, Cerci would prefer a move to Inter rather than the Rossoneri because they will be playing in Europe this season.
Neither club will find it easy to meet Toro President Urbano Cairo’s €20m asking price (£16m).
AC Milan's Man Utd plan for Nani
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan are in the race for Nani with Inter and Juventus, but might wait for Manchester United to lower the €14m tag.
The Portuguese international is not part of new manager Louis Van Gaal’s plans, so he is on the market this summer.
Also left out of their pre-season tour, Nani has been told to find himself a new club and there is a lot of interest from Serie A.
Juventus and Inter had already been linked with a swoop for Nani in the past few weeks, but Milan are now diving into the fray.
According to Sportmediaset, Adriano Galliani considers the €14m asking price to be too steep.
This source claims Milan will attempt to wait it out until the last few days of the transfer market, when Manchester United will be desperate to be rid of Nani.
QPR want Taarabt to stay
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes “would like Adel Taarabt to stay,” but there is interest from Milan, Inter and Napoli.
The Morocco international spent the last six months on loan at San Siro and impressed, scoring four goals in 14 Serie A games.
“I would like him to stay because he has a great history with us. He has never done it in the Premier League so that is for him to do. He has done it in flashes,” chairman Fernandes told reporters.
“He is probably one of the best players I have ever seen. He has a great football brain – he knows it. But it is up to him whether he wants to do it or not.
“From a professional standpoint I think it would be great if he stayed.”
Milan were unwilling to pay the original buy-out clause for Taarabt, but remain interested in the striker, while Napoli and Inter have also been linked.
AC Milan's Criscito offer rejected
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
It seems as if Milan’s first offer for defender Domenico Criscito was turned down by Zenit.
Their attempts to sign the Italy international have hit problems, as a meeting between Zenit and agent Andrea D’Amico did not find a breakthrough.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Russian club Zenit have rejected the initial offer of cash plus either Philippe Mexes or Cristian Zapata.
These are two players Zenit are not interested in and they would prefer a simple cash sum.
The current price-tag for versatile defender Criscito, who can play as left-back or in the centre, is €12m.
AC Milan confirm Valencia friendly
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan will play a friendly match against Valencia at the Mestalla on August 17.
The Rossoneri confirmed the pre-season test this evening, as defender Adil Rami will get to face his former club.
Other games lined up for Milan include Olympiacos in Toronto on July 25, Manchester City in Pittsburgh on July 27, Liverpool in Charlotte on August 3 and Chivas in Houston on August 6.
AC Milan look to unsettled Lavezzi?
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan and Inter are said to be targeting Ezequiel Lavezzi, who wants to end his experience at PSG.
The Argentina international is still on vacation after his side lost the World Cup Final to Germany in extra time.
According to Sportmediaset, ‘Pocho’ is desperate to leave Paris Saint-Germain after struggling to settle.
The 29-year-old was signed from Napoli for €29m in July 2012, but last season scored 12 goals in 48 games in all competition.
Milan are eager to welcome him back to Serie A this summer and new Coach Pippo Inzaghi is a big admirer.
However, Lavezzi’s wages would prove a major sticking point even if PSG allowed him out on loan.
Inter are also being linked with a bid for Lavezzi, who would reunite with his old Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri.
Rossi, Altobelli: Few like El Shaarawy
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Paolo Rossi and Alessandro Altobelli agree that this is a key year for Stephan El Shaarawy at Milan, one that Pippo Inzaghi can help improve him during.
El Shaarawy endured a difficult 2013-14 campaign with the Rossoneri, missing a significant chunk of the campaign with a problematic foot injury.
Now back with the team for pre-season, two members of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning side have backed him to be his club’s key man for the new season.
“He will be very important, because he is a guy who has everything - quality, pace, an eye for goal,” Rossi has told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“There are few like him and in Italy even fewer given the lack of great players. The good achieved two years ago cannot have been forgotten.
“Working with Inzaghi? Pippo is meticulous, he takes care of the details and for El Shaarawy he can be a great example to improve further.
“For Il Faraone this is the decisive season - to understand if he really is a champion.”
Altobelli is in agreement, also in talking to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He is critical. Milan must restart from the quality of their players and Stephan meets these requirements.
“In addition, he has always proved to be keen to improve, as we have seen since his days playing with Padova in Serie B.
“Pippo Inzaghi can help him get back to what he was before his injury.
“The strength of Inzaghi on the field was his winning mentality, the desire to make sacrifices, to never be satisfied.
“El Shaarawy can follow in that history.”
AC Milan ask for Ljajic, but...
20.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan are reported to have asked Roma about a possible deal for Adem Ljajic, but have had their approach turned down.
The Rossoneri are seen in the market with a restricted budget but still with the intention to add to their squad and in particular strengthen out wide in attack.
On from continued speculation this summer that he is unhappy at Roma, Ljajic has recently been paired with a possible switch.
Tuttosport suggest Milan, who were previously interested in the Serbian when he was at Fiorentina, recently approached the Giallorossi over a proposed deal to take him this summer on an initial loan deal.
However, the Turin-based publication indicates that Roma turned down the Diavolo’s advances, because if Ljajic was to leave, they apparently want to raise funds more immediately.
It is understood that to help part-fund the recently completed deal for Juan Manuel Iturbe, Roma are open to Ljajic’s sale at €16m.
At the same time, though, the capital club, who paid Fiorentina €11m plus €4m in bonuses to sign the player just 12 months ago, are seen as having not completely closed the door to Milan’s interest.
Report: Valencia change Rami demands
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
It is reported that Valencia now want Milan’s proposed fee of €4.25m for Adil Rami to be paid in one installment.
A deal had already been struck between the clubs to allow the centre-back, who spent the second half of last season on loan with the Rossoneri, to make a permanent switch to San Siro.
That original agreement was made on the understanding that Milan would pay the asking price to Los Che in three instalments.
However, Sky Sport now say that the Spanish outfit have changed the terms of their demands. They are now said to want Pippo Inzaghi’s side to pay the full sum of cash up front.
Galliani welcomes new signings
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has welcomed Michael Agazzi and Michelangelo Albertazzi to Milan, insisting that both will be a success.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper joins from Chievo to compete with Christian Abbiati from the No.1 jersey whilst the 23-year-old has re-signed after spending three years away from his boyhood club.
“We are presenting two Italian arrivals,” Galliani told a Press conference. “Both have different stories, but they are now Milan players.
“Agazzi has extensive experience in Serie A with over 150 games at Cagliari and Chievo.
“He is a player who we have liked for a long time, and who has the blessing of Abbiati – so there will be no issues between them.
“Albertazzi meanwhile has come from Verona, who were really interested in keeping him.
“The lad has come back home though, and we are welcoming him with open arms.”
Albertazzi 'honoured' to be at AC Milan
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Michelangelo Albertazzi is back at Milan and admits that it is ‘an honour’ to be recalled by the Rossoneri.
The 23-year-old has spent the last three seasons at Getafe, Varese and Verona learning his craft.
But after the San Siro agreed to re-sign him on a permanent basis, the youngster has conceded his delight at being back.
“It’s an honour to be here again,” he told a Press conference. “I’ll certainly give my all every time I step on the pitch.
“I have more experience now and I’m sure I will get even better at Milan with the coaching staff we have here.
“There is a lot of competition here, but I am ready to learn from my teammates and the Coach.
“My experiences in Serie A and B have made me grow as a player, but I am convinced I am good enough for this team.
“It is an honour to be back here and I want to continue along the path I have been following.
“I know the Coach has great enthusiasm and wants to see the fans celebrating again.”
Agazzi 'determined' for AC Milan success
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Michael Agazzi is ‘determined’ to do well at Milan following his move from Chievo, and will ‘give everything’ for his new club.
The 30-year-old was presented as a Rossoneri player this afternoon after his switch from the Flying Donkeys was confirmed.
And the goalkeeper is ready for the challenge he will undoubtedly face at San Siro.
“With humility and determination I will be ready to give my all whenever I am called upon,” he told a Press conference.
“I’ll put everything in to improving.
“I’d like to take a moment to thank [Chievo President Luca] Campadelli, who gave me the chance to play in Serie A.
“I’ve never considered myself a truly great goalkeeper. I’ve always taken my career in small steps, but now I’m at Milan.
“I will do everything to be a success here. I want to be ready for the new season.
“I will improve every day at this club. I’ll be like a sponge – soaking up every bit of knowledge.
“I’ve already spoken with the new Coach. He seems determined and eager to take Milan back to the top.”
Menez: I am improved and matured
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Jeremy Menez has described the ‘important moment’ joining Milan is, and promises to show he is ‘improved and matured’ from his Roma days.
The winger, who signed on with the Rossoneri this summer after opting to run down his Paris Saint-Germain contract, has faced the assembled media today for his official presentation.
“For me this is an important moment. I have felt great confidence from the start and that is why I am here,” Menez has begun to reporters.
“I hope to rediscover a great Milan and there is every reason for this, starting with the new Coach.
“We are not playing in the Champions League, but I think we can fight for the Scudetto.
“When I arrived at PSG with Carlo Ancelotti on the bench, things were going well. Carlo was like a father.
“Then in came Laurent Blanc and things changed. If I feel the confidence of others then I can give my best, for me this is essential.
“My role? I am ready to adapt to the decisions of the Coach. With Inzaghi I have spoken a lot, I can adapt to different roles.
“Milan are a great club. Now we think of work, there is a nice atmosphere here and so I am happy.”
It is a second stab at Serie A for the Frenchman, following his previous spell with Roma, which saw inconsistent spells of form matched with off-field issues.
“When you are young you make mistakes, then with time things improve. Compared to at Roma, I have changed a lot.
“I will give my best to prove that I have improved and matured. I am back in Italy after a couple of years and I hope to show everyone my skills and to entertain the fans.
“In Rome I was happy, perhaps I could have given more. Now I am at Milan and I just want to think about doing well here.
“Links to Juventus? There was nothing with Juventus.
“My squad number? I will wear the No 87 as that is the year of my birth.”
Menez was asked about the prospect of playing or competing with Stephan El Shaarawy for playing time.
“He is a great player and has already shown this in Milan. He had a few injuries last season and I hope that he can start now immediately.
“Competition between us? We are two intelligent players and the Coach will find the right solution.”
'Menez has talent and imagination'
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani believes Jeremy Menez brings ‘talent and imagination’ to Milan, as he outlines the club’s further plans in the transfer market.
Menez has been presented to the media today, following his summer Bosman switch from Paris Saint-Germain.
“He has an important past, he is a player of talent and imagination,” Galliani introduced to reporters today.
“He should and can do more than what he has done up to this point. We have also followed him for some time.
“Pippo Inzaghi and I going to Ibiza [to talk with Menez] was supposed to be a secret meeting, but in no time at all we were on all the sites.
“Anyway, the important thing is that he is here now, he was followed by many teams.
“We believe that he will be able to provide a lot of imagination to the Rossoneri attack.”
Galliani was asked during Menez’s presentation on Milan’s other plans in the transfer market.
“We are covered in defence, as well as out wide in attack.
“Then, if by chance someone was to leave, then someone else would come in.
“Mario Balotelli? I do not comment publicly on the relationships with players.
“Some players have already left - we are planning some market sales but also purchases. I think we will have a list of 24-25 players, so let’s see.
“Pippo does not want a squad that is too big, and so exits are required from a numerical point of view. Some may arrive, let’s see.
“Ideally in my head, for a team that is just playing in the League, an ideal squad will be 23 players plus goalkeepers.”
Menez was being presented on the same day as Alex, Michael Agazzi and Michelangelo Albertazzi - of the four, the Rossoneri only paid a transfer fee to buy Verona’s 50 per cent share in Albertazzi.
“I love basketball a lot and I would like it there, namely as when one ends their contract, they can decide where to go.
“In my opinion, player contracts will become shorter in the future.”
Alex: 'In the past I marked Inzaghi, now…'
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alex has been presented to the media as a Milan player today and reflected on his ambition, as well as now working alongside former opponent Pippo Inzaghi.
The Brazilian defender agreed at the start of the summer to switch to San Siro at the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, and today has been officially unveiled to the media.
“I want to thank the fans for the great affection, I want to repay that and I am convinced that together we can take away great satisfaction,” Alex has told reporters today.
“Milan are a great club even if this year we are not in the Champions League. I am very happy to have come here.
“Everyone has spoken well of Milan and I have always dreamed of wearing this shirt. Also in Brazil they talk much and well of Milan.
“This season we will put in a lot of effort, whilst the fans will support us. Yesterday [at the preseason launch at Casa Milan] it gave me chills throughout the reception.
“We will work hard to repay all this affection.
“I am sure I can lend an important hand to the team, I will bring to them my experience.
“With work and commitment we will also fight for the Scudetto.
“Are Milan vulnerable from set-pieces? It is not that Milan concede so many goals. Tactically, we are already working on avoiding conceding these goals.
“If we want to win then we cannot concede so many goals.”
Alex will start preseason under new Coach Pippo Inzaghi.
“I have marked him in the past, he was a very fast striker. Now I have him as a Coach and I hope to work well with him to take away the maximum satisfaction.
“And Carlo Ancelotti? For me he was like a father, he helped me a great deal. He and Inzaghi spoke often and if I am here it also thanks to Ancelotti.
“Thiago Silva? We have talked much about Milan together, the talks were long. He always spoke well of this team and the environment, and he also drove me here. Thiago has always spoken well of Milan.
“My shirt number? It would be an honour to have the No 33 that Thiago Silva had here.”
Galliani: Alex a major signing
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Adriano Galliani has introduced Alex to the media as ‘a major signing’ for Milan, and says that they beat a lot of competition for his signature.
The veteran centre-back has moved to the Rossoneri on a Bosman deal after running down his Paris Saint-Germain contract, and today has been presented to the Press with an introduction from the Vice-President.
“Alex is a player with an important career,” Galliani began to assembled media.
“We followed him for so many years, we faced him in 2005 when he was with PSV. We tried to buy him before he signed for Chelsea.
“We beat a lot of competition to snatch Alex, whilst PSG also wanted to keep him.
“He is a major signing, we have added pounds and centimetres to our defence.”
Emanuelson undergoes Roma medical
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Urby Emanuelson underwent medical tests in Rome this morning ahead of completing formalities on a move to Roma.
The Dutchman is widely seen as having agreed to a two-year deal to join the Giallorossi, having left Milan at the end of last season at his contract’s expiry.
Arriving in the capital yesterday evening and briefly talking with journalists, the 28-year-old has this morning turned up at the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic to undergo medical tests.
On from this Emanuelson is expected to put pen to paper on his contract with I Lupi, before returning to the Netherlands until next week’s start of preseason on July 15.
Genoa confirm Matri capture
11.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Genoa have confirmed that they have signed striker Alessandro Matri from Milan on an initial loan deal.
The former Juventus man completed medical check-ups and formalities during this week and also spoke in advance at the prospect of moving to Marassi for the new campaign.
On from this, Genoa have now made official his move, releasing a statement on their website, alongside an image of the 29-year-old in club training gear [above].
“Genoa Cricket and Football Club announces that it has tiled with the League offices documentation regarding the temporary acquisition of the sporting rights for Milan striker Alessandro Matri,” the statement reads.
“The player has completed visits certifying his fitness and is involved at this time in a series of tests relating to his return to competitive activity.”
Matri joins a fourth club in just over a year, having only moved from Juventus to Milan last summer for €11m, only to see a poor run with the Rossoneri see him end the final six months of 2013-14 on loan at Fiorentina.
Matri’s arrival at Genoa comes within 24 hours of Alberto Gilardino’s confirmed exit to Guangzhou Evergrande.
Cairo: Galliani meeting just casual
7.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Torino President Urbano Cairo has denied suggestions that his meeting with Adriano Galliani was football-related.
The Toro chief was spotted speaking with the Milan director in Forte dei Marmi on Sunday, with speculation in the Italian Press that Alessio Cerci was on the agenda.
The winger has been strongly linked with a switch to San Siro this summer, but Cairo has insisted that the market was not part of their discussion.
“The meeting between Galliani and I was just a casual meeting,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It had nothing to do with the transfer market.”
'Working with Seedorf a pleasure'
7.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Kaka has claimed that working with Clarence Seedorf was ‘always a pleasure’ and wishes Pippo Inzaghi all the best at Milan.
The Dutch tactician was sacked at the end of last season by the Rossoneri less than six months after being appointed by the San Siro side.
But amidst reports that the former midfielder fell out with a number of people at the club, the Brazil playmaker has insisted he had a great relationship with Seedorf.
“On Clarence all I can say is that it was always a pleasure working with him,” Kaka told reporters as he was unveiled as a Sao Paulo player for the next three months.
“The period that we worked together was always very professional and sincere. The fact that it was the beginning of his coaching career was never an issue.
“From my point of view it was really nice to work with him.
“I wish Pippo the best of luck – he is a great friend and a great person.”
Vrsaljko agent: Talks with AC Milan this week
7.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Sime Vrsaljko’s agent has confirmed that a meeting between Milan and Genoa will take place this week to discuss his client.
The Croatia international has been linked with a switch to San Siro for some time now, with a potential deal involving a swap with Alessandro Matri mooted.
The defender’s representative however, has also admitted that several other big clubs in Italy are interested.
“Let’s see what Genoa and Milan want,” Beppe Riso told MilanNews.
“There will be a meeting today or tomorrow and they will try and find an agreement.
“I’ll sit down with the lad soon, but first the two teams have to come to an agreement.
“Between today or tomorrow we will know more. But it’s clear that he would love to join a big club.
“But Vrsaljko has a few options – there’s Napoli, Fiorentina and Juve, who have all shown some sort of interest.”
AC Milan increase Cerci pressure
7.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan are reportedly stepping up their negotiations with Torino for €20m-rated Italy winger Alessio Cerci.
Toro have already sold top scorer Ciro Immobile to Borussia Dortmund and will need a large sum to release the other member of their club record-breaking attack too.
It is believed the price-tag has been set at €20m for the ex-Fiorentina and Roma man.
According to Sport Mediaset, Adriano Galliani met with Torino President Urbano Cairo at Forte dei Marmi this morning.
New Coach Filippo Inzaghi is eager to bring in Cerci to build a 4-3-3 system with Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy.
The Rossoneri are finding it increasingly difficult to fight Juventus and now Atletico Madrid for €28m rated Juan Manuel Iturbe of Verona.
Robinho heading to MLS
7.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Robinho is expected to leave Milan for an MLS club, but several are interested on top of Kaka’s Orlando City.
The Brazilian striker had already been on the exit list for over a year, but negotiations with Santos and Flamengo fell through.
It’s now widely reported that Robinho will follow Kaka to America, freeing up space, funds and wages for the Rossoneri.
The MLS buys up players and then allows the clubs to sign them, so Robinho could be bought for the League before choosing a precise destination.
As well as Kaka’s Orlando City, he is of interest to Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy and New England Revolution.
Vrsaljko calms AC Milan talk
7.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Sime Vrsaljko’s agent confirmed talks with Milan, but insisted “nothing has been concluded” with Genoa.
The Croatia international is expected to make the move across to San Siro in exchange for Alessandro Matri.
“Are the negotiations concluded? No, I don’t know anything about it,” agent Beppe Riso told ilveromilanista.
“Yes, there are negotiations on-going between the two clubs, but we have not personally spoken to Milan.”
Orlando in for Robinho too
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
The Corriere della Sera suggest Orlando City are interested in signing a second Brazilian from Milan this summer - Robinho.
The MLS outfit have just completed a deal to sign Ricky Kaka for the start of the 2015 season, after seeing him exercise a release clause in his Rossonero contract.
On from tentative links at the same time with Robinho, the Corriere della Sera assert more so today that Orlando are also interested in Robinho.
The publication believe that an offer to the 30-year-old could be forthcoming, even if any deal to sign him would involve payment to Milan.
In completing his move earlier this week, Kaka did hint at reuniting with his compatriot in the States.
AC Milan, Valencia split on Rami
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
La Stampa believe that Milan and Valencia remain €1.5m apart in negotiations for the transfer of Adil Rami.
The defender spent the second half of last season on loan with the Rossoneri and has since been seen as the subject of negotiations between the clubs on a permanent deal.
Whilst the San Siro outfit did have an original purchase option of €7m, they have been seen as pushing for as much as a 50 per cent reduction in talks since the start of the summer.
It had been seen that talks between the clubs had been delayed due to Peter Lim’s attempts to complete a takeover of the Mestalla outfit this summer.
However, La Stampa suggest pricing of the player remains the main factor of contention, with Milan still pushing for no more than €3.5m, and Los Che apparently asking for no less than €5m.
Matri: I hope to stay at AC Milan
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alessandro Matri says his first option is to stay at Milan this summer, but he will ‘consider all possibilities’ if he is down the pecking order.
The striker moved to the Rossoneri for €11m last summer, but a difficult first six months at the club saw him shipped out on loan to Fiorentina.
“I wanted so much after 10 years to return to Milan, my favourite team, the one where I grew up and that I have always cheered,” Matri has told today’s edition of the Corriere dello Sport.
“Despite the conditions at both Milan and Fiorentina, it was destined not to be my lucky year. I also had many chance in which to score, some I messed up badly, I could not believe it myself when I saw the ball not go in the net.”
Milan begin preseason under another new Coach in the form of former striker Pippo Inzaghi.
“I know him well, I’ve always respected him for his dedication to work, his great courage, the desire he had to return after too many injuries.
“Is he an example to follow? I hope so…July 9 I should be present at Milanello. I hope to stay there, I’ll do anything to earn another chance.
“Is Inzaghi in agreement? Honestly, we have not talked. It is a very delicate position, but I would love to have a second chance. I’ll be ready, in any game, even more so in the [preseason US tournament] International Champions Cup.
“For my characteristics I can be used only as a central striker, but I want to continue to be important, even if away from Milan.”
Now back from La Viola, speculation continues to link the 29-year-old with a move away, with Genoa said to have held talks with Milan earlier this week.
“I do not want to start the season as third choice. Genoa? I do not have any decisions made, it is fair to consider all possibilities.
“Certainly I would like to remain at Milan. After a year, as we have seen, so many things can change.”
Matri reflected on his more successful period prior to returning to San Siro, when at Juventus.
“I have experienced the most important moment in the resurrection of Juventus, who came back by force to win in Italy.
“The strength of the group and the presence of great champions like Buffon and Pirlo have helped to bring about a decisive turning point in the history of Juventus.
“What do I need to improve now? What was missing in my return to Milan, a bit of serenity that could give me security in my means.
“And I’d like to recover the same confidence that was in me when I arrived at Milan a year ago.”
AC Milan deny Seedorf campaign
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan have released a statement denying that they have had any influence on words said by players and staff against Clarence Seedorf.
Seedorf’s agent has hinted as much this week in defending her client against a number of comments that in recent days have spoken of ‘difficulties’ encountered during his six months back at the club as Coach.
However, the Rossoneri have moved quickly to deny the position insinuated, through the release of a statement.
“Milan states that the interviews of some of its people, who seem to have aroused the wonder of Deborah Martin, agent to Clarence Seedorf, were made by the authors as an expression of their own thoughts, without preventative action whatsoever by the club,” Milan have commented.
Berlusconi: Who would buy Balotelli?
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi is reported to have said he was on the verge of selling Mario Balotelli to an English club before the World Cup.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal throughout this summer’s transfer window, but interest from the Gunners seems to have cooled of late.
Now, the agency Adnkronos are claiming that during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi today, the San Siro chief lamented the fact that will no longer be able to sell the player.
“Other than Italy, I lost during the World Cup,” Berlusconi is reported to have said. “I was about to sell Balotelli to an English team for millions.
“But after this World Cup who will buy him anymore?”
Berlusconi is also said to have revealed that he will not be selling Mattia De Sciglio.
Montolivo: Seedorf sacking good
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo says the decision to sack previous Coach Clarence Seedorf was for the good of the club.
The Dutchman only took over the San Siro hotseat in January from Max Allergi, but despite presiding over an overall improvement in results he was shown the door this summer.
He has been replaced by another former Rossoneri player, Pippo Inzaghi, and Montolivo insists the whole squad are right behind their new boss.
“Seedorf? There wasn’t much harmony, the decision to sack him is for the good of Milan,” he told reporters at a Milan publicity event.
“I’m feeling better, we want to be competitive again and have a great season.
“Inzaghi can’t wait to get started, I felt that even today. He has the right energy to revive Milan and also has the right ideas.
“It’s his first experience but we are all with him, there are all the ingredients for him to do well.
“The player who can be the biggest surprise is El Shaarawy, I’m expecting a lot from him.
“At Milan there are a lot of good midfielders. The club are looking to give Inzaghi a great squad.”
Kaka rejected Mexico for America
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Kaka has revealed that he had offers from two clubs in Mexico this summer, but preferred a switch to the MLS.
The Brazilian playmaker terminated his contract at Milan this week in order to join new American franchise Orlando City.
But the trequartista has admitted that a pair of clubs in Central America were interested in his services this summer.
“Club America and Monterrey asked me if I wanted to come to Mexico to play, but I said no because I wanted to play in the MLS,” he told reporters.
“It was difficult to leave Milan, but I think that made the right decision at the right time.”
Kaka will spend three months on loan at Sao Paulo before joining the Florida outfit full time.
Nesta: AC Milan need results
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Alessandro Nesta has claimed that Milan can recover from last season’s disappointment with Pippo Inzaghi in charge.
The Rossoneri finished eighth last time out, sacking both Massimiliano Allegri and Clarence Seedorf as Coaches.
But the former defender has insisted that his ex-teammate at San Siro can bring something different to the club.
“Last season was a disappointment,” he told Milan Channel. “Big things were expected and then there was a decline that I don’t think many of us saw coming.
“There was just no continuity. I think Milan have changed a lot from before. For years we had an experienced group.
“But a lot of that old guard has gone, and now we have a new core.
“Inzaghi brings a lot of excitement. But we need results and to get back to winning ways.
“I don’t really have much advice for him or the club.”
Genoa, AC Milan talk Matri, Vrsaljko
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Enrico Preziosi and Adriano Galliani had dinner this week, reportedly to discuss Alessandro Matri and Sime Vrsaljko.
Il Secolo XIX have led assertions today that the Genoa President dined with the Milan Vice-President on Tuesday evening this week and Sky Sport Italia have since ratified this story.
Speculation is that the subject of their meeting was a proposed offer from the Grifone to take Alessandro Matri on loan for the 2014-15 campaign, with a view to a purchase option also being included.
The Rossoneri paid out €11m on the forward last summer, but after six difficult months sent him out to Fiorentina for the second half of last season, from where he has now returned.
It is understood that Galliani and Preziosi also took this week’s meeting as an opportunity to discuss Milan’s apparent interest in Genoa full-back Sime Vrsajko.
However, the San Siro outfit are seen as still facing competition from Fiorentina, Juventus and Sassuole for the Croatia international.
AC Milan paying half Nocerino’s wages
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
As part of his loan move to Torino, Antonio Nocerino will reportedly still have half of his salary paid out by Milan.
The midfielder was confirmed on Wednesday evening as having signed an initially temporary deal to join the Granata for the coming season.
According to Tuttosport, part of the agreement in place will see the Rossoneri still pay 50 per cent of the player’s salary, which is seen as standing at €2m net.
Toro’s deal for Nocerino, whose contract with Milan runs through to June 2016, includes a purchase option to make permanent his switch.
Nocerino spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League club West Ham United.
OFFICIAL: Nocerino joins Torino
5.7 || webmaster
Source: Football Italia
Antonio Nocerino has returned to Serie A, as Milan loaned the midfielder to Torino after a spell at West Ham.
The former Italy international had spent the last six months in England with the Hammers.
There is still no place for him at Milan, so the midfielder has been loaned out again to Torino.
The news was confirmed by a statement on the official Toro website.
|
