AC Milan Blog

Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra says over-confidence cost them last season's Champions League final against Barcelona.

United are aiming to stay on course for a third straight final by overcoming AC Milan at Old Trafford on Wednesday to book a quarter-final place.

Ahead of that game, which will see David Beckham face United at Old Trafford for the first time since his 2003 exit, Evra admitted United's arrogance cost them against Barca.

"First and foremost, Barcelona won because they played really well," said Evra. "But even so, I'm frustrated because I feel that we didn't show the real face of Manchester United.

"We were a bit too confident and sure of ourselves, and we were caught cold. We start each season the same, with the desire to go all the way in every competition. At United, winning one title per season just doesn't cut it.

"We're obliged to win several, if not all of them. This year, the main goal is to win a fourth championship in a row, which would be historic.

"But we're also hoping to win the Champions League again, because the defeat in last year's final still sticks in all our throats. Personally, though I've already won it, I'd like to win it three times before ending my career.

"I've played in three finals, one with Monaco and two with United, and lost in two of them.

"So my objective is to win it again, knowing that it would also give us the chance to compete to become world club champions once more."

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi held a lengthy meeting with Ronaldinho yesterday.
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Berlusconi visited training on Sunday morning and took the opportunity to sit down with the Brazilian star.

The Italian PM wanted to leave Ronaldinho in no doubt how pleased he was with the player's commitment and performances since the winter break.

The midfielder's contract expires in 2011 and Berlusconi also informed Ronie of his intention to soon open talks over a new deal.

AC Milan have failed with a stunning bid for Palermo midfielder Javier Pastore.

Italia 1 says Milan were willing to offer €12 million plus Mathieu Flamini in exchange for the exciting Argentine.

But Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini gave the offer short shrift, insisting Pastore will not move for less than €25 million cash.

Wayne Rooney is on course to make Manchester United's Champions League clash with AC Milan.
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Rooney did train yesterday despite his knee injury and is hopeful of being passed fit to face Milan on Wednesday after sitting out the 1-0 victory at Wolves.

The England striker suffered a knee setback last week.

AC Milan can beat Manchester United, insists United icon David Beckham.

Beckham returns to Old Trafford on Wednesday with AC Milan for the second leg of their Champions League match and is confident of overturning the 3-2 first leg defeat.

Beckham, who played only the last 20 minutes of Milan’s 0-0 draw against Roma on Saturday night, said: "We can win there. Getting two goals at Old Trafford will be hard but it’s not impossible. We will be focused. It will be a very emotional night for me."

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand hopes to be fit for their Champions League clash with AC Milan.

Ferdinand was back for the win at Wolves and hopes there is no reaction with his back problem and is looking forward to facing Milan.

He said: "It's the Champions League and a great occasion and hopefully we can finish the tie off."

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes says victory at Wolves has set them up nicely for the Champions League return-leg clash against AC Milan.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already started chalking the games off, the next one being at Old Trafford on Sunday against Fulham, who have to visit Juventus in the Europa League next Thursday.

United have an eye-catching European tie of their own though, against David Beckham's AC Milan on Wednesday, with the Red Devils looking to defend their 3-2 first-leg lead and advance into the quarter-finals.

"Wednesday is a massive game and this win will send us into it with a lot of confidence," Scholes said.

"Hopefully we can get through the tie and get a place in the next round."

AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is being linked with Wolfsburg.

Transfer consultant Vlado Borozan, who has close ties to Wolfsburg, says the Dutchman could be used to bring down the asking price for top AC Milan target Edin Dzeko.

He told TMW: "The Director General of the Germans officially confirmed to me that whoever offers €40 million, will take home Dzeko.

"It's a figure that is very serious and I do not think that Milan nor anyone else will be wishing to pay in cash.

"That's why I would not underestimate the possibility of compensatory techniques to lower the cash component. For example Huntelaar."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi is hopeful that AC Milan can upset Manchester United in their Champions League clash.

Milan must overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit at Old Trafford.

“Clearly those who won the first leg have a better chance of going through, but I hope that Milan can do what they have already done in the past,” Lippi told Stadio Sprint.

“We all wish Milan the best and to repeat the kind of performance that saw them win at Real Madrid, even if it's not easy to score two goals in Manchester."

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo feels they should've beaten Roma on Saturday night.

In the end, the match finished in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate for both teams.

“We lost two points. It was a game we could have and should’ve won,” said Pirlo.

“We put in a strong performance and it’s a real shame we weren’t able to bring home the victory.”

Former Manchester United and AC Milan striker Joe Jordan can't see Wayne Rooney ever being tempted to move to Italy.

Jordan pities the British players who miss out on the Italian job – yet insists Wayne Rooney can achieve all his ambitions with ­Manchester United.

He told the Sunday Mirror: “I was very fortunate to have the challenge of going to Italy at the age of 29 and in a way it’s a shame our players aren’t getting that opportunity these days because it was a great experience.

“The fact is, though, that the Premier League is now No.1 all over the world and Italian football can’t compete financially. I couldn’t have imagined in my playing days watching Chelsea v Manchester City with two Italian managers in charge. Amazing.

“What Italian clubs would pay for Rooney is hypothetical because it’s not going to happen. I don’t see it even crossing his mind.

“I can’t see him going to Spain, either. He is with arguably the biggest club in the world and he has become the man at Manchester ­United.

“He’s got everything he wants at Old Trafford. He’s playing in front of 76,000 every home match and he’s playing with quality players.

“He wants to keep on winning trophies and have the opportunity to fulfil his ambitions. United give him that.”

Manchester United captain Gary Neville expects them to be patient against AC Milan in the return-leg of their Champions League tie this week.

In his column for the Sunday Times of Malta, Neville wrote: "Although we hold a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, I doubt we will be looking to blitz them from the kick-off to kill the tie early on. Sometimes in can happen that you win comfortably in the Champions League, but it is not a common occurrence.

"We have played a lot in Europe and we will need to be sensible and use all our experience. Milan are a fantastic team and we are taking nothing for granted.

"David Beckham will return to Old Trafford for the first time as an opposition player, which will add to the occasion. I spoke to him before the tie and I know he is excited to return."

David Beckham's Dad will be at Old Trafford this week to see his AC Milan playing son against Manchester United.

Ted Beckham was at the San Siro to see his son’s Serie A side lose 3-2 in a Champions League round of 16 first leg against Manchester United.

But it was always the thought of a return for the ex-England captain to the ground where he forged his name which has been simmering ever since the draw was made before Christmas.

Ted, a life-long United fan, admitted to the Sunday Express: “I was excited when the draw was made. I texted David straight away. He was gobsmacked. We both were because we couldn’t wait to be involved at Old Trafford.

“It’s going to be special because David spent so much time there. He is eager to see everyone at Old Trafford. It’s been a special place for him. When he left United I was devastated. Returning will be great because he’s still a United supporter. He will be choked by it all.

“He loves it in Milan. He enjoys the football and playing alongside players like Ronaldinho. But there are a lot of good players at Old Trafford. It will be a weird feeling. Half of me wants AC Milan to win while the other half will be rooting for Manchester United.”

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham is preparing for one of the big moments of his career this week.

Beckham will be in the Milan squad attempting to overturn a 3-2 deficit against Manchester ­United. But the former England captain must also cope with the deeply personal significance of this sentimental return to his spiritual home.

Beckham said: “It was a very emotional night for me playing against United in Milan, but going back to Old Trafford is going to be even more so.

“The United fans were unbelievable in the first leg and I thank them for that. It was amazing to hear their chants.

“Without a doubt it will be emotional to hear that from a crowd of more than 70,000 at Old Trafford.

“I had family with me in Milan and they’ll be going to Old Trafford. My Dad’s a big United fan and this is probably the only time he won’t want them to win!”

Manchester United want to kill off AC Milan's Champions League hopes early in this week's second-leg clash.

United are planning a first-half blitz to put Milan out.

Wayne Rooney said: “I don’t think the manager would be too pleased if we tried to hold on to what we’ve got from the first leg.

“We just have to try and go at them in the first half and if we get another goal that could kill them off.”

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Dimitar Berbatov will start this week against Champions League opponents AC Milan.

Ferguson had expected Rooney to sit out England’s friendly against Egypt following his knee complaint, but the 24-year-old ended up playing nearly the whole game and now looks to have paid the price for his exertions.

“Rooney is very doubtful for the Milan game unfortunately,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “It’s one of these bad bits of luck you get – the Wembley pitch has just killed him.

"I was pleased with how [Dimitar] Berbatov did against Wolves though and I’ll probably start with him on Wednesday.”

Marco Borriello has urged Inter starlet Mario Balotelli to make the move to AC Milan.
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Balotelli has confessed he was Rossoneri mad growing up and cheered them on in last month's Champions League clash against Manchester United.

“I want the Inter player in a Rossoneri shirt. He's very nice, a boy of heart,” said Borriello.

Marco Borriello has urged Inter starlet Mario Balotelli to make the move to AC Milan.
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Balotelli has confessed he was Rossoneri mad growing up and cheered them on in last month's Champions League clash against Manchester United.

“I want the Inter player in a Rossoneri shirt. He's very nice, a boy of heart,” said Borriello.

Marco Borriello has urged Inter starlet Mario Balotelli to make the move to AC Milan.
<!--break-->
Balotelli has confessed he was Rossoneri mad growing up and cheered them on in last month's Champions League clash against Manchester United.

“I want the Inter player in a Rossoneri shirt. He's very nice, a boy of heart,” said Borriello.

Marco Borriello has urged Inter starlet Mario Balotelli to make the move to AC Milan.
<!--break-->
Balotelli has confessed he was Rossoneri mad growing up and cheered them on in last month's Champions League clash against Manchester United.

“I want the Inter player in a Rossoneri shirt. He's very nice, a boy of heart,” said Borriello.