tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61526495713916517502024-03-13T07:32:34.092-07:00MilanistiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-46023773983150078822010-01-03T05:04:00.000-08:002010-01-03T05:06:23.109-08:00David Beckham: I Would Have Loved To Stay At Manchester United<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="David Beckham" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/52366_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=52366">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=52366">Zoom</a></div> </div> <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="David Beckham" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">David Beckham</mashlogic><br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> David Beckham has revealed that he would have loved to have played out his entire career at <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Manchester United" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Manchester United</mashlogic>.<br /><br />The England international spent a decade with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, but is set to return to <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Old Trafford" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Old Trafford</mashlogic> for the first time next month when AC Milan take on the English champions in the Champions League.<br /><br />However, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live’s 'Sportsweek' programme, Beckham admitted he wished he had never left Manchester. <br /><br />"I'd have loved to have stayed at Manchester United for my whole career and never gone anywhere else but it just wasn't meant to be,” he explained.<br /><br />“It takes a special person and a player to stay at a club for so many years. Ryan's [Giggs] been there for so many years now and he'll be part of Manchester United for life – he's a Manchester boy and it runs through his blood.<br /><br />"I'm so honoured to have played with Ryan through the years I did and to know him as a person and a player. He deserves all the success he's had this year and in the other years."<br /><br />The midfielder also drew comparisons with United boss <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Sir Alex Ferguson" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Sir Alex Ferguson</mashlogic> and England manager <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Fabio Capello" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Fabio Capello</mashlogic>, and revealed the respect he had for both men.<br /><br />“He [Capello] gives us confidence where we might not have had it in the past," added Beckham.<br /><br />“You really respect these managers. <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Sir Alex" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Sir Alex</mashlogic> brought me up and was a father figure to me. I've got a huge amount of respect for him and the same for Fabio [Capello].<br /><br />"They are two managers who don't just manage teams, they love football. That's why they've been successful and why they're still in the game now."<br /><br />Yet despite his respect, Beckham insisted there was little chance of him following his mentors into management.<br /><br />"There's no chance of me being a manager or a coach," he concluded.<br /><br />"It doesn't interest me. I love coaching kids, that's my biggest passion. We'll see - I might change my mind in the future."<br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-60072404119812811342010-01-03T05:03:00.000-08:002010-01-03T05:04:40.705-08:00Arsene Wenger Rules Out Arsenal Move For Milan Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/60878_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=60878">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=60878">Zoom</a></div> </div> Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> Arsenal manager <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Arsene Wenger" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Arsene Wenger</mashlogic> has revealed that the Gunners will not be making a move to sign AC Milan striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.<br /><br />With Robin van Persie effectively ruled out for the rest of the season, the north Londoners have been linked with a whole host of forwards including Huntelaar, <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Edin Dzeko" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Edin Dzeko</mashlogic>, <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Marouane Chamakh" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Marouane Chamakh</mashlogic> and <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Craig Bellamy" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Craig Bellamy</mashlogic>.<br /><br />Despite being the <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Premier League" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Premier League</mashlogic>’s top scorers and Wenger’s self-confessed dislike of the <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="January transfer window" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">January transfer window</mashlogic>, Arsenal are still expected to do business this month although one player not on the Frenchman's wanted list is Huntelaar.<br /><br />"I am surprised he never plays but he is not on our radar," the Arsenal boss told the club’s official website.<br /><br />"I don't believe this kind of player can move. I am not sure he can move again in this transfer period because he has already moved once this season."<br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-42225184818897481382010-01-03T05:02:00.000-08:002010-01-03T05:03:08.777-08:00Clarence Seedorf Hails Milan’s Pioneering Spirit<div style="text-align: center;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="Clarence Seedorf - Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/61849_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=61849">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=61849">Zoom</a></div> </div> Clarence Seedorf - Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">Milan</a> midfielder <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/netherlands/53/clarence-seedorf">Clarence Seedorf</a> believes Leonardo’s innovative tactics set the <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Serie A" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Serie A</mashlogic> giants apart from the rest of Europe.<br /><br />‘Leo’ has earned widespread praise in Italy this season after turning around the Diavoli’s fortunes by employing an attacking 4-2-1-3 formation.<br /><br />“I reckon that Milan are the only tactical novelty in Europe, Seedorf told La Gazzetta dello Sport.<br /><br />“We play like the Spanish teams, but are clinical and efficient like an Italian side.<br /><br />“When the results were not going our way, we all took our responsibilities. We decided to follow Leonardo’s course of action and the match against Chievo was our turning point.<br /><br />“That’s when we realised we could have employed our new system against the little teams too and benefit from it.”<br /><br />Milan sit second in the league standings, eight points behind leaders Inter, but have a game in hand.<br /><mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Goal.com" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com"></mashlogic> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-22349581532206348122010-01-03T04:54:00.000-08:002010-01-03T04:59:01.337-08:00AC Milan Defender Gianluca Zambrotta: We Must Not Underestimate Genoa<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="Gianluca Zambrotta, Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/63116_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=63116">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=63116">Zoom</a></div> </div> Gianluca Zambrotta, Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> AC Milan will look to start the new calendar year in winning fashion when the <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Serie A" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Serie A</mashlogic> returns next Wednesday evening and full-back Gianluca Zambrotta has warned his team-mates not to underestimate the threat posed by Genoa.<br /><br />“We have been working extremely well recently,” he declared to Ansa.<br /><br />“However, Genoa is a very fast and strong side.<br /><br />“Given the way we suffered against Palermo, we mustn’t take our foot off the gas because they have everything they need to put us into difficulty.”<br /><br />The Rossoneri are currently eight points off leaders Inter with a game to spare over their cross town rivals.<br /><mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Goal.com" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com"></mashlogic> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-57922918856477873552010-01-03T04:52:00.000-08:002010-01-03T04:54:17.913-08:00Thiago Silva: Milan Can Win Big In 2010<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 345px; height: 163px;" alt="Thiago Silva - Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/63505_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=63505">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=63505">Zoom</a></div> </div> Thiago Silva - Milan (Getty Images)</div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">Milan</a> defender <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/brazil/20910/thiago-silva">Thiago</a> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/brazil/20910/thiago-silva">Silva</a> is ready to regain his place in the squad and help reel in titles for 2010 as he underlines club objectives.<br /><br />The Brazilian stopper has missed several weeks of action due to injury. But, having made a full recovery, he could be back in contention for the Genoa game.<br /><br />His ambitions are grandiose as he eyes Scudetto and Champions League glory. Despite the enthusiasm, Silva knows unblocking the route to silverware will not be easy.<br />Nevertheless, he believes a good run will help smooth the road to success.<br /><br />"I have recovered and I think I will be able to play on Wednesday [against Genoa]," he told Brazilian media.<br /><br />"I am not short of motivation and I want to start 2010 on the right foot. We have everything to enjoy a great season and win trophies for Milan."</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-69144521410744367372010-01-03T04:47:00.000-08:002010-01-03T04:50:20.471-08:00It's Time For Milan To Clarify Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's Situation - Agent<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 579px; height: 350px;" alt="Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Grazia Neri)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/54981_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=54981">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=54981">Zoom</a></div> </div> Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Grazia Neri)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's agent, Arnold Oosterveer, has made it clear that the Dutch attacker is far from happy with his current situation at Milan and that he wants answers about his future at the Diavoli.<br /><br />"Three months ago, Leonardo said that Huntelaar would have more opportunity to play," was Oosterveer quoted as saying by<i> Corriere dello Sport</i>.<br /><br />"And the leadership of the club has always shown confidence in him, reiterating their intention to keep him. But now there's only a few months until the World Cup and it's time to clarify the situation."<br /><br />The 26-year-old striker joined Milan from Real Madrid last summer, but he has failed to make an impact at the San Siro so far. Huntelaar has scored only two league goals for the Rossoneri.<br /><br />Huntelaar is continually being linked with a host of clubs, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Genoa, Ajax and Twente all believed to be keeping tabs on him.<i><br /></i> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-52573169660911573822010-01-03T04:45:00.000-08:002010-01-03T04:47:26.454-08:00David Beckham: Returning To Manchester United With Milan Will Be 'Incredible'<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 485px; height: 273px;" alt="David Beckham, Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/63688_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=63688">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=63688">Zoom</a></div> </div> <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="David Beckham" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">David Beckham</mashlogic>, Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> By Alan McGuinness<br /><br /><a href="http://goal.com/en/people/england/1886/david-beckham">David Beckham</a> has admitted that returning to <a href="http://goal.com/en/teams/england/97/man-utd">Manchester United</a> with <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">AC Milan</a> will be 'incredible'.<br /><br />Beckham returns to his boyhood club for the first time since his departure to Real Madrid in 2003, when the Rossoneri travel to the Theatre of Dreams in the Champions League.<br /><br />The former England captain cannot wait for the fixture, admitting he misses the club every single day.<br /><br />"It’s such a special occasion - to be there in front of the fans, manager and friends. It’s going to be incredible,” he said as he began his second spell on loan with Milan.<br /><br />“I don’t know whether I’ll be happy if we lose because I’d like to progress further in the competition and when you come up against a club that you support and a club that you spent so many great years at and [you’ve] still got so many friends at the club, those things are always difficult.<br /><br />"But it’s a nice problem to have because I’ve never returned to <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Old Trafford" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Old Trafford</mashlogic> as a player. In seven years I miss it every day.<br /><br />"I miss being a <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-goal-com-headlines mashlink" term="Manchester United" mashbutton="goal@mashlogic.com">Manchester United</mashlogic> player, I miss the club, I miss the fans and friends at the club. It’s always going to be a special place in my heart.<br /><br />"To return as an AC Milan player makes it extra special.<br /><br />"That’s the big thing for me, to return with a team like this and a club like this. It’s got so much history, which is the same with Manchester United." </span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-29744830406100375102009-12-22T04:58:00.000-08:002009-12-22T05:00:19.998-08:00I'm Enjoying Football Again At Dynamo Kiev - Andriy Shevchenko<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 431px; height: 444px;" alt="Andriy Shevchenko celebrates as he grabs the equaliser against England for the Ukraine, but the Three Lions went on to win 2-1" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/46320_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=46320">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=46320">Zoom</a></div> </div> Andriy Shevchenko celebrates as he grabs the equaliser against England for the Ukraine, but the Three Lions went on to win 2-1<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> Ukrainian international Andriy Shevchenko has been through difficult spells with both <a href="http://goal.com/en/teams/england/96/chelsea-news">Chelsea</a> and <a href="http://goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">AC Milan</a> in the past three years. However, the prolific striker returned to <a href="http://goal.com/en/teams/ukraine/370/dynamo">Dynamo Kiev</a> last summer and is since enjoying his football again.<br /><br />"I've returned to Kiev in good physical condition and am enjoying football again. This is very important. I felt a shadow of myself because of the problems with my neck last season. The injury wasn't allowing me to work as I could and to play at my usual standard," said Shevchenko to uefa.com.<br /><br />"Since returning to Kiev I have not missed a single match and, if I'm not mistaken, not even a single training session. The feel of the ball is with me again and regular match practice has helped to restore my agility. The only thing I would like to have is a bit more luck.<br /><br />"Head coach Valeri Gazzaev demands a powerful and aggressive manner of play. He gives me instructions and I try to follow them on the field. I know sometimes I choose the wrong position but, in general, the situation is not bad," continued the attacker.<br /><br />"It was very difficult in the first matches; I felt my physical condition was not the best. But things improved eventually and I have had a second wind this autumn."<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Stefan Coerts, Goal.com</span> </span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-11607893866336442382009-12-22T04:54:00.000-08:002009-12-22T04:58:09.192-08:00AZ Star Moussa Dembele’s Agent Invites Milan Bid<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 361px; height: 268px;" alt="Moussa Dembele vs Gael Clichy, AZ - Arsenal (Foto PROSHOTS)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/58658_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=58658">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=58658">Zoom</a></div> </div> Moussa Dembele vs Gael Clichy, AZ - Arsenal (Foto PROSHOTS)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> Belgium international forward Moussa Dembele could leave Dutch side AZ in January and his agent claims Milan are in pole position to secure his services.<br /><br />The 22-year-old has drawn attention from a number of clubs across Europe and his Italian representative, Gabriele Savino, has revealed he has already discussed a potential transfer to Milan.<br /><br />“Moussa is a player whom I am offering, along with my associates, to Italian teams such as Milan,” Savino told Calciomercato.it.<br /><br />“AZ won the title in Holland last term, but are not having a great season this year and the club’s problems are playing a part.<br /><br />“Our idea is to secure a transfer in January and we want to bring him to Italy, even though English clubs have also sounded us out.<br /><br />“We believe that Dembele is a top-class player for his qualities and for what he can give to an important club. Then again, we must wait to see what Milan’s intentions are.<br /><br />“Dembele would really need a fresh start and new adventure. But we must find a club that believes in him.”<br /><br />Milan could indeed take up the agent’s offer if they release out-of-favour Dutch striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar in January.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Vince Masiello, Goal.com</span> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-10094954006137911752009-12-22T04:47:00.000-08:002009-12-22T04:54:15.043-08:00Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Settled At Milan - Agent<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 393px; height: 246px;" alt="Klaas Huntelaar, Massimo Ambrosini - Catania-Milan - Serie A (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/62278_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=62278">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=62278">Zoom</a></div> </div> Klaas Huntelaar, Massimo Ambrosini - Catania-Milan - Serie A (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> The agent of <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">Milan </a>striker <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/netherlands/8421/klaas-jan-huntelaar">Klaas-Jan Huntelaar</a> has dismissed reports his client is poised to leave the club in January as ‘paper talk’.<br /><br />The Dutch international has been a peripheral figure at the San Siro since his summer move from Real Madrid and has been linked with several teams in England and in his home country.<br /><br />“What I can say for certain is that he is a Milan player at the moment and reports about interest from other clubs are just paper talk,” agent Arnoldus Oosterver told Tuttomercatoweb.<br /><br />“This does not mean I am ruling out a January exit, but I want to stress that there have not been any contacts with other clubs for now.<br /><br />“Huntelaar is settled at Milan. Of course, he would be happier if he played more. Then again, I think this applies to any player.<br /><br />“And it’s also normal that there are transfer rumours if a player plays little while it’s all quiet when they regularly take to the pitch.”<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Vince Masiello, Goal.com</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-4503639525765667722009-12-22T04:38:00.000-08:002009-12-22T04:45:18.020-08:00Juventus, Fiorentina And AC Milan Interested In Matias Schelotto - Report<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 405px; height: 225px;" alt="Ezequiel Schelotto - Cesena (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/62637_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=62637">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=62637">Zoom</a></div> </div> Ezequiel Schelotto - Cesena (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> Buenos Aires-born Italian Under-21 international Ezequiel Matias Schelotto has been attracting attention from a number of Serie A's top clubs, according to Tuttosport.<br /><br />Widely regarded as one of the best players in the division, the youngster is currently co-owned by Cesena, where he presently plays his football, and Serie A side Atalanta; who purchased 50% of his registration before loaning the player back to the Serie B outfit.<br /><br />Atalanta are already believed to be in talks to buy-out the remaining 50% of Schelotto’s contract and with Cesena officials believed to enjoy a fruitful relationship with the La Dea hierarchy, a deal is thought to be almost complete.<br /><br />However, news of fierce competition from some of the biggest clubs in the peninsula will undoubtedly worry Atalanta.<br /><br />Milan are the most recent club to have been linked with the player, despite their assurance that they are not in a position to make any moves in the winter window, while Juventus and Fiorentina are said to harbour a more serious interest in the winger.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rupert Fryer, Goal.com</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-20710686109914464632009-12-22T04:35:00.000-08:002009-12-22T04:38:24.366-08:00AC Milan Will Return To Training On December 28<div style="text-align: center;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); text-align: center;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 359px; height: 180px;" alt="Leonardo - Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/62085_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=62085">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=62085">Zoom</a></div> </div> Leonardo - Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> After the match with <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/142/fiorentina">Fiorentina</a> was postponed due to poor weather conditions, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">Milan</a> players have gotten some bonus time off during the holiday season.<br /><br />Despite this, the Rossoneri's schedule will not change and they will return to training on December 28 as planned, when loan signing David Beckham will join his team-mates, according to sport.it.<br /><br />Milan's first match of the new year is on January 6 against Genoa at San Siro.<br /><br />The Rossoneri are hoping to avoid losing any ground on Champions League opponents Manchester United in terms of fitness as the English side will play throughout the holiday season, with matches against Wigan and Hull City in the Premier League.<br /><br />Milan currently lie second place in Serie A, eight points behind city-rivals Inter, but with a game in hand.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Adam Scime, Goal.com</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-11583821032572891632009-12-22T04:25:00.000-08:002009-12-22T04:35:45.275-08:00AC Milan Midfielder Pirlo Hails Incoming David Beckham<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 261px; height: 180px;" alt="Andrea Pirlo - Milan - Serie A (Grazia Neri)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/50573_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=50573">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=50573">Zoom</a></div> </div> Andrea Pirlo - Milan - Serie A (Grazia Neri)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">Milan</a> midfielder<a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/italy/50/andrea-pirlo"> Andrea Pirlo</a> is looking forward to teaming up with <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/england/1886/david-beckham">David Beckham</a> at the San Siro once again and has hinted the English star will pose a major threat to his former team, Manchester United.<br /><br />Beckham will join up with the Italian side on a six-month loan from the LA Galaxy and will feature from January onwards, while Milan take on the Red Devils in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.<br /><br />"You could see Beckham come off the bench to score a freekick at Old Trafford. That is his kind of mentality," the Italian international explained to the People newspaper.<br /><br />"Knowing David, he would not celebrate if he scored. He has too much class."<br /><br />The 'Spice Boy' also spent a loan period with the Rossoneri last season and Pirlo is convinced that he will be a positive influence again.<br /><br />"Beckham is among the top five players in the world and has demonstrated that at both club and international level," he concluded.<br /><br />The 34-year-old made 18 appearances in Serie A in 2008-09.<br /><br />Adam Scime, Goal.com<br /> </span> <br /> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-2951779802019277482009-12-19T13:54:00.000-08:002009-12-19T14:29:45.204-08:00Fiorentina - AC Milan Postponed Due To Snow<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 261px; height: 196px;" alt="Artemio Franchi Stadium, Fiorentina-Juventus (Foto Grazia Neri)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/34971_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=34971">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=34971">Zoom</a></div> </div> Artemio Franchi Stadium, Fiorentina-<mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Juventus" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Juventus</mashlogic> (Foto Grazia Neri)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> The match beteween <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/142/fiorentina-news">Fiorentina</a> and <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">AC Milan</a>, scheduled to take place on Saturday night at 20:45 CET has been postponed due to bad weather in the Tuscan city.<br /><br />Earlier reports had claimed the game was at risk of being cancelled at the last minute and it appears this has turned out to be the case.<br /><br />Fiorentina club staff and groundsman battled all day to clear the snow, but another downpour on Saturday forced both clubs and the authorities to decide to cancel the match. A new date for the game has yet to be confirmed.<br /><br />The early evening kick off between Bologna and <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Atalanta" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Atalanta</mashlogic> has also been postponed due to the bad weather.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Salvatore Landolina, </span><mashlogic style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Goal.com" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Goal.com</mashlogic> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-48045844013206623312009-12-19T13:53:00.000-08:002009-12-19T13:54:51.360-08:00Fiorentina-Milan Match At Risk Of Being Called Off Due To Heavy Snow - Report<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="Artemio Franchi - Fiorentna Stadium" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/17650_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=17650">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=17650">Zoom</a></div> </div> Artemio Franchi - Fiorentna Stadium<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> Saturday night's Serie A clash between <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/142/fiorentina-news">Fiorentina</a> and <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">Milan</a> at the Artemio Franchi is at risk of being postponed after heavy snowfall overnight has caused less than perfect match conditions.<br /><br />Both La Gazzetta Dello Sport and La Repubblica are reporting the game faces last-minute cancellations in light of the dubious weather conditions. Heavy snowfall in Florence overnight has caused the authorities to consider the safety implications for both players and fans.<br /><br />Fiorentina have had the underpitch heating on since Friday afternoon and the surface temperature is said to be a stable 35 degrees Fahrenheit. While the snow appears to have melted, dangerous ice patches have formed on the pitch. It is said orange coloured footballs and a red paint may be used to improve playing conditions if the game is given the all clear.<br /><br />However, the game's go-ahead is not directly linked to the safety on the pitch. The authorities are concerned of the conditions in the stands at the Artemio Franchi as well as those in and around the roads leading into the ground. Il Commune di Firenze (the local council in Florence) are concerned that people travelling to the stadium risk their own and others safety on the roads, which could cause havoc for the local area.<br /><br />Club and council staff have been hard at work trying to clear the snow, but a decision or official announcement from either side has not been made. In any case, the game risks being cancelled at the last minute.<br /><br />Bologna, just 45 kilometres away from Florence, has also been hit by the weather, meaning the game between the Rossoblu and Atalanta is also at risk.<br /><br />Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-83258251130236150052009-12-19T13:51:00.000-08:002009-12-19T13:53:01.154-08:00World Cup 2010: I Could Leave Milan To Save My World Cup Chances - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 430px; height: 267px;" alt="Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Grazia Neri)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/54981_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=54981">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=54981">Zoom</a></div> </div> Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Grazia Neri)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">Milan</a> striker <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/netherlands/8421/klaas-jan-huntelaar">Klaas-Jan</a> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/netherlands/8421/klaas-jan-huntelaar">Huntelaar</a> has issued the club with an ultimatum to either play him or sell him as he tries to safeguard his <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/">World</a> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/">Cup</a> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/1776/club-world-cup/">2010</a> chances.<br /><br />The Dutchman has become incresingly concerned that his lack of playing time at <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="San Siro" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">San Siro</mashlogic> will have a direct impact on whether he makes the plane for South Africa. Huntelaar has clenched his fists against Milan and is not willing to miss out on the World Cup by sitting on their bench.<br /><br />"I don't know if my future will still be at Milan. I have played little and the World Cup is drawing closer," he told Algemeen Dagblad.<br /><br />"Everyone wants to be at the World Cup, but I am aware that sitting on the bench may not make that possible.<br /><br />"Leonardo has praised me, that's true, and I know his scheme employs just one centre forward, but I want to play more."<br /><br />Huntelaar has recently been linked with <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Manchester United" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Manchester United</mashlogic>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Salvatore Landolina, </span><mashlogic style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Goal.com" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Goal.com</mashlogic></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-58759552122627216702009-12-19T13:48:00.000-08:002009-12-19T13:51:50.552-08:00Manchester United's Patrice Evra Keen To Sour David Beckham's Return To Old Trafford<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 386px; height: 260px;" alt="EPL: Patrice Evra - Stephen Carr, Manchester United - Birmingham (PA)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/53932_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=53932">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=53932">Zoom</a></div> </div> EPL: Patrice Evra - Stephen Carr, Manchester United - Birmingham (PA)</div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <p><strong></strong><a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/teams/england/97/manchester-united">Manchester United</a>'s <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/people/france/838/patrice-evra">Patrice Evra</a> has declared he is hungry to eliminate <a href="http://goal.com/en-gb/people/england/1886/david-beckham">David Beckham</a> and his newly adopted AC Milan from the Champions League, after a long waited return to <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Old Trafford" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Old Trafford</mashlogic>.</p> <p>Beckham re-joined Milan on loan from L.A. Galaxy, and is poised for a showdown with the club that sparked his profitable career.</p> <p>But that is where the celebrations end for him, according to Evra, who is enjoying the prospect of Beckham returning, but doubly excited at the idea of defeating his men at his former home ground. </p> <p>The French international told the Press: "I am very happy for David Beckham. He did a lot of great things for United and I want to say to him ‘Welcome Home’." </p> <p>"I have met him. He is a gentleman. He is a good person and a good professional. This is why Milan wanted him to go back there. </p> <p>"I like that type of player. He is still one of the best right-footed players in the world. But I hope he plays badly and I intend to make sure he doesn’t do very well."</p> <p>The 28-year-old added that whilst Beckham will be the draw-card to this match, there will be ten other players on the pitch that are equally important to contain. </p> <p>He added: "I am more interested in playing against AC Milan than David Beckham. </p> <p>"What I do know is that our confidence is high. For us, the target every year is to reach the final, and from there to win it," he said.</p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Omar Dabbagh, <mashlogic class="mashlogic mashlink-news-feeds mashlink" term="Goal.com" mashbutton="headlines@mashlogic.com">Goal.com</mashlogic> UK</p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-90909476725236228922009-12-19T13:45:00.000-08:002009-12-19T13:47:59.075-08:00Alberto Gilardino: Leaving AC Milan For Fiorentina Was The Right Choice<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 441px; height: 186px;" alt="Alberto Gilardino -Fiorentina- Serie A (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/63541_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=63541">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=63541">Zoom</a></div> </div> Alberto Gilardino -Fiorentina- Serie A (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://goal.com/en/teams/italy/142/fiorentina-news">Fiorentina</a> striker <a href="http://goal.com/en/people/italy/30/alberto-gilardino">Alberto Gilardino</a> will come up against his former side <a href="http://goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">AC Milan</a> this weekend, as the Viola look to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Chievo Verona.<br /><br />"We know what to correct in order to prepare for the challenge with Milan and I hope we can finish the year well," he was quoted as saying by uefa.com.<br /><br />"A lord of this city? Let's not exaggerate. For me, it is a pleasure to play here. I am happy with my choice [to come to Florence]. I am doing well."<br /><br />The Italian international was not a success at Milan, losing his place in the starting XI and becoming a fixture on the bench before opting to move to the Viola in 2008, where he has flourished.<br /><br />"It's been a positive 2009 for me at Fiorentina, after a difficult year at Milan and I believe I have repaid their faith. However, now we must do even better."<br /><br />The 27-year-old has scored ten goals in all competitions for the Viola in the 2009-10 campaign thus far.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Adam Scime, Goal.com</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-9098012763079862852009-12-17T09:48:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:50:36.692-08:00Fiorentina Defender Dario Dainelli: We Must Not Fear AC Milan<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 412px; height: 220px;" alt="Dario Dainelli, Fiorentina (Foto Grazia Neri)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/19430_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=19430">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=19430">Zoom</a><br /><br /></div> </div> Dario Dainelli, Fiorentina (Foto Grazia Neri)<br /><br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/142/fiorentina">Fiorentina</a> defender <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/italy/234/dario-dainelli">Dario Dainelli</a> has urged his team-mates not to give too much respect to <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">Milan</a> when the two sides meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Saturday evening.<br /><br />"Especially with [Alexandre] Pato there, we must defend well as a team," he suggested to Il Corriere dello Sport.<br /><br />"We'll have to cover well and keep up with their tempo, but also play without fear. This is how we can play a great match."<br /><br />Despite several injuries this season, Fiorentina qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League, an improvement from their last European campaign.<br /><br />"We are very united on and off the field," said the ex-Brescia player.<br /><br />"This is not just rhetoric. We have a solid foundation that enables us to overcome certain difficulties."<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Adam Scime, Goal.com</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-56973237407091255972009-12-17T09:45:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:48:44.813-08:00Milan President Silvio Berlusconi Leaves Hospital<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 404px; height: 230px;" alt="Silvio Berlusconi - Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/60061_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=60061">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=60061">Zoom</a></div> </div> Silvio Berlusconi - Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">Milan</a> president Silvio Berlusconi has been allowed to leave the San Raffaele hospital and will return to his Arcore mansion, according to Sky TG 24<br /><br />The Italian PM was whisked away by his security team in armoured vehicles as the press gathered outside the hospital to see him head home.<br /><br />As expected, security was beefed up around area and no-one was allowed to get close to him as the media were pushed back by a police cordon.<br /><br />Berlusconi waved to the cameras as the cars slowed down. A plaster a bandage above his nose was clearly visible through the car window.<br /><br />He has been recovering at the San Raffaele under a heavy police presence following the attack he sustained on Sunday.<br /><br />A souvenir statue was thrown at him by suspect Michele Tartara during a rally in Milan, leaving Berlusconi with a broken nose and teeth.<br /><br />Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com<br /> </span> <br /> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-86253175769209158862009-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:45:28.577-08:00Juventus And Milan Tracking Lyon Midfielder Michel Bastos - Agent<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="Ligue 1 : Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyonnais)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/52208_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=52208">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=52208">Zoom</a></div> </div> Ligue 1 : Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyonnais)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> The representative of Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Michel Bastos has officially invited bids for the 26-year-old by saying that ‘anything can happen after the World Cup’.<br /><br />Bastos’ impressive performances for the Ligue 1 giants have alerted several teams across Europe and his agent Duro Ivanisevic has confirmed that some Serie A heavyweights are also monitoring the situation.<br /><br />“Yes, Michel is being followed by a number of top clubs in Europe, including Italy,” he told Calciomercato.it.<br /><br />“However, it is impossible for him to leave Lyon in January. He [only] arrived last summer and is happy there.<br /><br />“There is a Champions League to play for and then he hopes to go to the World Cup with the Brazilian national team.<br /><br />“This is no time to think about these kinds of things, but anything can happen after the World Cup.”<br /><br />Juventus and Milan are believed to be the most interested parties in Italy and were already linked with Bastos during the summer transfer window.<br /><br />“But Juve and Milan didn’t contact me last summer,” insisted the representative.<br /><br />“However, we did have talks with a few Spanish sides before he signed for Lyon.”<br /><br />Bastos joined the French outfit from Lille last July and committed to the club until 2013.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Vince Masiello, Goal.com</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-77919728961573542502009-12-17T09:37:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:39:35.718-08:00Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani: Filippo Inzaghi Will Not Join Parma<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img alt="Adriano Galliani - Milan (Grazia Neri)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/50607_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=50607">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=50607">Zoom</a></div> </div> Adriano Galliani - Milan (Grazia Neri)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-news">Milan</a> vice-president Adriano Galliani has denied suggestions <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/italy/6/filippo-inzaghi">Filippo</a> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/italy/6/filippo-inzaghi">Inzaghi</a> is leaving the club, claiming the striker will not join <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/4/parma">Parma</a>.<br /><br />The Rossoneri big wig has echoed Ducali chief Tommaso Ghirardi's comments on Wednesday. Ghirardi claimed it was unlikely Inzaghi would join his club and Galliani agrees.<br /><br />"With all respect to Parma, we cannot allow Inzaghi to join them," the chief told the press.<br /><br />Reports had suggested Inzaghi would head to the Ennio Tardini as his contract with Milan expires in June 2010 and he has not yet penned a new deal.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com</span> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-49274284907617444012009-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:37:50.898-08:00Kakhaber Kaladze Will Stay At Milan - Agent<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 456px; height: 238px;" alt="Railways Cup: Kakhaber Kaladze (sports.ru)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/21661_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=21661">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=21661">Zoom</a></div> </div> Railways Cup: Kakhaber Kaladze (sports.ru)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> The agent of <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">Milan</a> centre-back <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/georgia/38/kakhaber-kaladze">Kakhaber Kaladze</a> has moved to end speculation that the Georgian has grown frustrated at his lack of playing time under boss Leonardo and will seek a January exit.<br /><br />Reports earlier this week claimed that Kaladze was left disappointed last weekend when he was over-looked for the visit of Palermo despite Thiago Silva’s injury lay-off.<br /><br />But the player’s agent, Vincenzo Morabito, is adamant that the Italian media are making a mountain out of a molehill.<br /><br />“Milan cannot afford to lose a precious piece like Kaladze at the back,” Morabito told fcinter1908.<br /><br />“With Thiago Silva being on the sidelines, Kaladze’s presence will become fundamental again for the Rossoneri.”<br /><br />Kaladze also reiterated on Wednesday that he remains committed to the club after the rumours emerged, and maintained he is eager to honour his contract which will run out in June 2011.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Vince Masiello, Goal.com</span> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-43152615369733849682009-12-17T09:32:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:34:48.200-08:00Milan Ace Ronaldinho: This Is My Perfect Moment & Berlusconi Deserves My Praise<div style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 677px; height: 334px;" alt="Ronaldinho - Milan (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/59969_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=59969">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=59969">Zoom</a></div> </div> Ronaldinho - Milan (Getty Images)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"> After a disappointing start to his life at <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/teams/italy/1/milan">Milan</a>, Brazilian star <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/people/brazil/1311/ronaldinho">Ronaldinho</a> seems reborn this season and has revealed the secret behind his renaissance.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">“The coach has faith in me and I am playing as I used to do for many years at Barcelona,” the 29-year-old admitted to the Milan Channel.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">“The fans and the team are behind me and this makes things easier. It is a perfect moment for me. I fell very well both in the head and in the body.”</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">Milan President Silvio Berlusconi pushed the club into signing Ronaldinho in 2008 and tipped him to rediscover his best form last summer after his compatriot Kaka left for Real Madrid.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">“I am very happy with the faith that was put in me by President Berlusconi last summer,” explained Ronaldinho.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">“It is an added motivation to work well and repay him by doing my best so that Milan will resume winning.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">“He has done a lot for me so that I could join Milan. For me President Berlusconi is No 1.”</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" id="divAdnetKeyword">Vince Masiello, Goal.com</span><br /><span id="divAdnetKeyword"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152649571391651750.post-15145269879019752572009-12-14T05:42:00.000-08:002009-12-14T05:45:25.231-08:00Spanish Inquisition: The Galacticos Are Not The Be-All And End-All Of Real Madrid<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> </div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" class="KonaBody" id="article_content"> <div id="article_detail_block"> <div id="small_article_image_container"> <img style="width: 412px; height: 250px;" alt="Gonzalo Higuain,Valencia, Real Madrid (Getty Images)" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/63293_news.jpg" /> <div class="article_gallery_link"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/photo/gallery?id=63293">Photo Gallery</a></div> <div class="article_image_zoom"><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=63293">Zoom</a></div> </div> Gonzalo Higuain,Valencia, Real Madrid (Getty Images)<br /></div> <span id="divAdnetKeyword"> It's funny, isn't it, that you spend €250 million in signing galactic megastars and the players who rescue you are from an earlier regime, both Argentinians, one who was your most consistent outfield player last season but is uncertain of his first team regularity this campaign and the other a loan-returnee but reportedly not embraced by the coach?<br /><br />On Saturday night at the Mestalla, Real Madrid played their fifth really big game of the season and they accomplished what they had failed in others: they won. Without two of their most recognised and publicised Galacticos.<br /><b><br />The Chequered Past</b><br /><br />Prior to Saturday night Real Madrid had taken on three big teams and had lost to all of them. Their first acid test was against Andalucian giants Sevilla in early October and they lost 2-1 but not before Sergio Ramos had blasted his last minute shot wide of the target. True, Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't there but Kaka and Xabi Alonso were, and neither looked otherworldly.<br /><br />Then came Milan to the Santiago Bernabeu for a Champions League group game and this time it culminated in a 3-2 defeat to a side who looked at the time to be playing for survival rather than for silverware in Serie A. It was the first truly galactic game Madrid had featured in since the Neo-Galactico era commenced in the summer and without their most expensive Galactico, Los Blancos deflated.<br /><br />The away match was, of course, a closer affair and Madrid exhibited some of their best football this season in the first half an hour or so, eventually drawing 1-1 and somewhat tempering the disaster of losing to Segunda Division B side Alcorcon 4-0 away in the Copa del Rey.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/58742_hp.jpg" /><br />Staring Down Into The Abyss<br /></div><br />Soon it was time for the biggest club fixture in the universe, the clasico against Barcelona. And they lost 1-0, slipping two points behind the Catalans. Nevermind, that the best creative players on the pitch were the two most expensive players in Madrid's history; nevermind, that the best player on the pitch was a certain Carles Puyol, a fact that exhibited that Barcelona had been pushed to the back in order to salvage themselves; the system of football is such that only a win matters in the end and in the end Madrid lost. Period.<br /><br />And then came the trip to Valencia, without Ronaldo or Kaka and the possibility of falling eight points behind, a game in hand notwithstanding. Not that it was a very convincing, all-consuming, all-conquering victory, but it was a win nevertheless. And more importantly, a win against a big side in Spain who are threatening to break into the title race.<br /><br /><b>Dissections And Inquisitions</b><br /><br />If in Andalucia it was more of a case of Sevilla being the better side than Madrid being the worse, then against Milan at home it was a case of their defenders and goalkeeper trying to formulate new rules of defending. Against Barcelona, by the time Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored, Madrid had created the two best chances only for Ronaldo and Higuain to spill them.<br /><br />Against Valencia the plot was a combination of the aforementioned traits. Valencia had good chances and so did Madrid. The visitors' defending at times was lousy and their midfielders didn't look the most creative. Yet they won and won without Ronaldo and Kaka, perhaps demonstrating that they are not dependent on the duo, at least not to the degree of collapsing without them.<br /><br />The man of the match was a certain Gonzalo Higuain. Keeping him on the bench is rapidly becoming a crime as he scored two well-taken goals. Karim Benzema, perhaps the only Galactico who has failed so for this campaign, suddenly looked brilliant playing on the left, cutting in to link with his teammates and neatly set up the first goal, Sergio Ramos looks to have rediscovered the brilliance that once made him the best right-back in the world and Lass remains class.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/63296_hp.jpg" /><br />Off Against The Post!<br /></div><br />Of course, Valencia are not amongst Europe's elite at present but on Saturday they did have an attack that was at least on par with that of Madrid. David Villa is the best striker in the world and scored his 12th league goal of the season with a fine header, Juan Mata appeared creative, Ever Banega was sensationally a beast and Pablo's runs didn't give the Madrid defenders much time to smoke the pipe.<br /><br /><b>Regaining The Tough Mentality</b><br /><br />Madrid's win in Valencia was an exhibition that life at the most media-scrutinised club exists beyond the Ronaldos and the Kakas. Their victory against Los Che wasn't accomplished with flair or consummate brilliance but with determination, grit and an almost desperation to bag the points more with steel than with silk.<br /><br />Their football wasn't very predetermined but they did get chances they should have buried and also hit the post once. The Whites appear to have discerned the tough, winning, never-give-up mentality that they so desperately lacked in the games they have lost.<br /><br />Yet to undermine the on-pitch importance of Galacticism and Galacticos would be an exercise in futility. Last season Madrid struggled because of midfield creativity and so far this term they have been more enjoyable to watch. Madrid without Ronaldo and Kaka can grind out a win but grinding out a win is not what Galacticism stands for.<br /><br />And lest anyone forgets, the set-piece for Madrid's winner on Saturday night was taken by the most important Galactico: someone who hails from the Basque country.<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Subhankar Mondal, Goal.com</b> </span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0