Kaka, thanks for the memory!

Today is indeed a hard day for Milan fans. Kaka is leaving Milan for Real Madrid, at a whopping transfer fee of £59m. This amount is equivalent to the debts of the whole AC Milan, therefore this deal makes perfect sense, financially. But to lose a player of Kaka's calibre, no matter how much the money is, will be a lost to Milan.

As Kaka is not just another footballer, he is the greatest footballer, a great role model to the world as a footballer, when other footballers are disgracing the profession. He is down-to-earth and never let his stardom and money to get the better of his character. He is the unique one in the current crop of great footballers, who despite their great talent and skills, have shown some volatile and unprofessional behavior.

And in his last press conference as a Milan player, he said he joined Real Madrid to help AC Milan financially. I'm touched, but at the same time, feel unfortunate that Milan is in such difficult situation. If only Milan is stronger financially...

As a Milan fan, I can only say thank you to Kaka, for all the great memories, and his professionalism he had shown to the club during the 6 years at Milan. And I hope Milan had redeemed the pride they lost in the 2005 Champions League final by winning the same tournament in 2007, against the same opposition. Therefore I choose this pix to remind everyone of the great moments when he was at Milan. As he said in the press conference, "My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end."

Definitely, as he has become a legend in Milan! And wish you all the best at Real!

Welcome to the fashion capital, David!

Before David Beckham decided to move to the USA, I was so convinced that Milan will be his next destination to continue his football, being a fashion capital that will surely match his celebrity status. But I guess, the language barrier and the attraction of being an icon in the USA changed his mind.

He has surely make his mark in the MLS, and more specifically, LA Galaxy, though not fully on the field. Today, most football fans will know there is a team called LA Galaxy, and we can see people wearing a LA Galaxy jersey, though the only player in the team that they know is David Beckham.

Now, Beckham is joining AC Milan for a short-term loan to keep himself fit for the national team. Well, if he can suit to the Milan play, he should just join Milan permanently, as Carlo Ancelotti, the Milan coach, had publicly declared that he would like to sign him permanently.

His job in LA Galaxy, and MLS is done. He had increase the profile of his team, and the league to a certain extent. He bucked the trend by joining MLS at 31, and not at the end of the career (35-36?). So what more he can contribute to the LA Galaxy or MLS? The most is to keep the ticket sales, and keep on to be an icon in the MLS. LA Galaxy will not rise to become the champions because of one Beckham, as football, unlike some other sports, is a team game, and one superstar wouldn't win a team the championship.

So is now the time for him to leave LA Galaxy? Certainly, if he is to continue playing for England, and ready to take on the challenge of fighting for a place in a midfield full of talents. Certainly displacing the likes of Kaka, Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Flamini and Emerson will not be an easy task, and he risk sitting on the bench for the rest of his career. But for a 3-month loan, certainly there will be no risk, and Milan will welcome him with an open arms, as they continue their fight to the top of the Serie A.

And for all football fans, once again we might get to see his trademark free kick during the match, and not from the news.

Soccernet title: Blues flop Shevchenko moves back to Milan

Is this a track record of a flop? You rate it yourself! But to me, the record is respectable, considering the injuries and the sudden change of style of football. People maybe saying that for 30 millions, Chelsea deserve better reward, but as in any investment, there is always risk that things may not go as planned, and this is one of the case. I do admit that at times, when he was given the chance to prove himself, he did not take it as well as he is capable. His performance is slightly worse than Hernan Crespo (which is also considered a flop, but if anyone just look at his record, I believe he is such a superb striker!)

And I believe, no one will disagree that Sheva is a top professional, never complained to the media during this tough period in Chelsea. He works his socks up, and fight for a place in the Chelsea squad. In the Champions League semi final last season when he comes on as a substitute, he made a on the line clearance to ensure Chelsea made it to the final. That moment just showed how good a professional he is, and he is a roll model to the footballers around, who is getting arrogant and acted unprofessionally.

2006/2007: 13 goals in total
4 in the League, 3 in FA Cup, 3 in League Cup, 3 in Europe

Appearances:
30 in the league, 22 starts, 8 as sub
6 in FA Cup, 5 starts, 1 as sub
4 in League Cup, 4 starts
10 in Europe, 9 starts, 1 as sub

- Significant strike at White Hart Lane in an FA Cup replay.
- Hernia operation in the closing weeks of the 2006/07 season ruled him out of the FA Cup Final win at Wembley.
- Carling Cup winner, having played all Carling Cup matches except for the closing seconds of a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the final at Cardiff.

2007/2008: 8 goals, 5 in the league, 2 in League Cup, 1 in Europe

Appearances:
17 in the league, 8 starts, 9 as sub
1 in FA Cup, 0 starts, 1 as sub
2 in League Cup, 2 starts
5 in Europe, 2 starts, 3 as subs

- fitness problems keep him out of competitive action until mid-September 2007.
- in his second game back he scored the final goal of the José Mourinho era, in a home Champions League draw to Rosenborg.
- there followed by an outstanding strike in the Carling Cup against Leicester
- leading up to Christmas, he scored six important goals in ten appearances with Didier Drogba out injured
- back-related problems called a seven-week halt.
- never start a game in 2008
- made seven sub appearances and scored the final league goal of last season

Azzurris on the move

Italy have a number of players in their Euro squad who are in the process of moving clubs. This has prompted coach Roberto Donadoni to said that he wanted transfer talk to be kept to a minimum as his side prepare for their first Group C match against Netherlands in Berne on Monday.

Italy's 2nd choice keeper Marco Amelia has left relegated Livorno and agreed a four-year contract with Palermo. Meanwhile, Palermo defender Andrea Barzagli has reportedly agreed a transfer to Germany's VfL Wolfsburg.

Full back Gianluca Zambrotta clinched a move from Barcelona to Milan days before the Italy squad flew out to their base south of Vienna. Genoa striker Marco Borriello is returning to co-owners AC Milan, with the deal due to be made official after the end of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

The Win-Everything Brazillians Leave Clubs

So here comes the "end of the season" period, where league football take a 2-3 months break. Though there is still the Champions League and some other Cups to play for, many teams are already announcing the new signings and departure from their respective team.

Among the most sensational way to announce departure is Barcelona's Ronaldinho. Not that he himself announced he wants to leave, but instead it's Barca's president who said "he needs to leave"! Joan Laporta reckoned that Ronaldinho must leave to be the player he once was again.

"He (Ronaldinho) needs a new challenge. When a cycle finishes it is normal that the most emblematic pieces also come to an end. I would like Ronaldinho to be given a great send-off so that he is remembered for all he has given us and that if he didn't do any more it was because the circumstances wouldn't allow it".

Barcelona won the La Liga and Champions League with Ronaldinho in top form, while Ronaldinho himself also won the World Player of the Year Award! Ronaldinho is linked to a move to AC Milan.

In Milan, 2 more Brazilians will leave AC Milan. World Cup winner Cafu, at the age of 37, will return to Brazil. In his 5 seasons with Milan, he win every trophy possible at club level. Prior to joining Milan, he play for AS Roma and won the Scudetto with them.

Mean while, Serginho who joined the club back in 1999, has also decided to return home. Though not a regular at Milan, he is one influential player. His contribution to Milan's 2003 Champions League win is enormous, combining superbly with Superpippo to drive Milan to the final, and eventual win.

So let's wish both Cafu and Serginho all the best in life after football, and let's hope we can still see the best of Ronaldinho, hopefully in a Rossoneri shirt!

Milan playing UEFA Cup next season?! Inter champions again!

Just now when I check out soccernet for the football result, the headlines is "Gerrard: We must spend big". But if you ask me, this "We must spend big" word is more suited to AC Milan, who despite winning 4-1 against Udinese in the last game, fail to clinch 4th place, and will play in the UEFA Cup next season.

Milan in the UEFA Cup?! That's disappointing by Milan's standard! And the last time they don't play Champions League football is 6 years ago! But surely, we have seen this coming, and so is the coach. It's just that the board think that by being AC Milan, they will have a long run in the Champions League, and finish 4th to qualify for the next one! But that does not always happened, not everyday is a Sunday!

By looking at their activity in transfer market, you really questioned their ambition! They certainly don't look capable of challenging Inter for the Scudetto this season with this squad. Though the evergreen Inzaghi keep scoring, he is 34 now and is susceptible to injury, not to mentioned the ever injured Ronaldo. Gilardino's form has been bad, but then Milan's failure can only be blamed on the board! By having Alexander Pato as the only player they are buying, and that also came at after winter break is frustrating!

Milan board owe the fans a big star striker! Milan had failed to replace Shevchenko, and had put Kaka with so much burden that affect his performance. So going forward, "Milan must spend Big!". Buy someone who can score to replace the ageing Inzaghi, and keep the squad. The squad is definitely not weak, just the attacking department, particularly the forward department is weak and do not have enough capable cover! Pato is very talented, but yet he is still a young lad and is one for the future.

On Inter winning the championship again, and Alessandro Del Piero winning the Golden Boot, I can only say "Congrats and well done! You guys deserved it! And so is Milan's participation in UEFA Cup next season!"

Flamini move to Milan!

When I first heard of Mathieu Flamini, I thought he is an Italian player because of the "Flamini", which is quite Italian to me. And how ironic, today he is leaving for Italy, though he is French.

Flamini's move is also a good sign for the Serie A. Admit it or not, in recent years players prefer the Barclays Premier League over the Serie A, due to the "Calciopoli" and violence of the fans in Serie A.

And Flamini is one of the few players who choose Italy over England. Arsenal reportedly offer a lucrative new five-year deal to him, understood to be worth around £55,000 per week, while Juventus were also reported to be tracking him. But he choose to come to Milan, playing alongside World Player Of the Year, Kaka and fighting for a place with the best Italian midfielders, namely Gattuso, Ambrosini and Pirlo.

Flamini expressed his joy at the move after finalising terms with Milan

'I am extremely happy. Thanks a million,' he said.

Hopefully with the reputation of the Serie A improve, there will be more Stars at his peak heading to the Serie A, and not go there to look at retirement.

Milan into 4th place; Title race reopen!

Milan put in a dominant performance in one of the most important game of the season, beating Inter 2-1 in the Milan derby Sunday to blow open the title race with second-placed AS Roma winning 3-0 at Sampdoria. Inter's lead is now down to three points with two games remaining, but nonetheless, everything is still in Inter's hand, with a victory at next weekend's home match against Siena enough to seal the title for the 2nd straight years.

As Inter's coach said, 'In the first half they were better. Then there were two goals and we started to play. I have always thought that the (scudetto) celebrations would come against Siena and not Milan'

Roma coach Luca Spalletti shared the sentiment, said 'We must be realistic. Inter have had a good season and have all the cards for winning.'

Filippo Inzaghi and Kaka scored early in the second half for Milan,while rivals Fiorentina lost 2-1 at Cagliari.

Milan are now fourth with 61 points and Fiorentina 60, with Udinese moving up to sixth on 57 and Samp dropping to seventh on 56.

Shevchenko On Chelsea and Milan Derby

Chelsea made it to the final, breaking the jinx of Liverpool after beating them 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. Though not playing a big part as in Milan, Shevchenko made it to the final for the 3rd time in 5 years. His penalty brought Milan their 6th European Champions title in 2003

Today, he is no longer the talisman, but remain a model professional for Chelsea, playing as well as he can when called upon. He remains coy about a return to Milan after this season, but admits he still holds the Rossoneri dear to his heart. Milan president & Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has frequently said he would welcome Shevchenko back.

But he, as professional as ever, remain committed to his current team.

``There is a lot of talk about my return,'' Shevchenko said in a television interview published in Corriere dello Sport. ``But I am not authorised to say anything more than this: that my links to Milan have always been great."

``Milan gave me a lot, they helped me grow as a player and they helped me win the European Footballer of the Year award and the Champions League.

``I have great memories. Relationships with my team-mates are very important and many of them have remained."

``The president has always been very kind to me, he suggested to me to take a house in Antigua, I listened to him and I made a great investment."

``I thank him for everything he has done for me, he is very close to my heart. He helped me a lot, in many things."

``I miss my friends in Italy, the true ones, and the food, a lot.''

Though considered a flop by many, his record of 20 goals in 68 appearances for Chelsea is still respectable.

``I haven't managed to play much this year,'' continued Shevchenko. ``Whether for physical problems or technical reasons.

``But in the game I have played in I managed to make a small contribution with seven goals.

``The language? I manage to communicate, I manage to speak to my team-mates, but I am very far from perfection.''

When asked about the Milan derby, Shevchenko has this to say.

``The derby has always been a special game, a great one,'' continued Shevchenko. ``I think this derby will mean more to Milan because they are fighting for fourth place, to play in the Champions League and, above all, it's their home game.

``I have told all my friends in England that, to understand Italian football, you have to go to the Milan derby because it's a spectacular game.

``I give my best wishes to my former team-mates. I know how important it is to win the derby, especially in the race for fourth place.

``I think that the more important games give me a larger rush: the more the game is important the more I manage to give.

``The most important goal I scored in a derby was that in the Champions League semi-final.''

Ronaldinho will not be coming to Milan after all?

Ronaldinho's proposed transfer to AC Milan has stalled after the Serie A side failed to agree a fee with Barcelona.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani admitted preliminary discussions had not been successful.

'Yesterday we had a conference call but the figures have not been right,' Galliani told Sky Italia after Milan's 5-1 win over Reggina.

'Maybe Ronaldinho won't come.'

I think the Milan board owe the fans a world class striker after selling Shevchenko. This season they really have problem scoring goals, relying heavily on Kaka and "Superpippo" Inzaghi. Though Pato's performance has been satisfying, he is one for the future. The current lists of forward really do not strike any fear on any team, except for Inzaghi. Gilardino has been off form for quite some time, and Milan certainly need some replacement to the ageing Inzaghi.

Robert De Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, has agreed personal terms with the Milan club but there is competition from city rivals Inter and Barclays Premier League outfit Manchester City.

Even if the Ronaldinho's proposed transfer fail, the Milan board must show support to the coach Ancelotti and spend money to rebuild the team. Milan need reinforcement in practically all position except Midfield.

Recap of Sat's Match of the Day: Juve vs Milan

Last night's game ended with a 3-2 win to Juve against 10-men Milan, after Daniele Bonera was sent off for a tackle that, according to the rules should be a sending off, but in reality, can been given more consideration as a tackle that happened at the heat of the moment. Anyway, the referee made his decision, and that change the course of the game. At that time the score was 2-2. Eventually Hassan Salihamidzic sealed the win for Juve. Milan were weak at aerial in front of the goal, clearly feeling the absence of Nesta and Kaladze, and Salihamidzic, who is unmarked in a confused Milan defence, nodded home for the winner.

Juve quickly exploited a second string defence and opened the scoring when Mauro Camoranesi hurdled a tackle and played in Alessandro Del Piero, who netted his 14th league goal of the campaign from a tight angle on 12 minutes.

The Duel
Ex-Juve striker Filippo Inzaghi, who played with Del Piero for a couple of seasons during his time with Juve, soon levelled with a trademark poacher's goal from Kaka's cross from the left. Inzaghi then showed he's still one of the best striker around with a second goal on the half hour mark, when he sidefooted in after Daniele Bonera had squared the ball following Massimo Ambrosini's clever chip.

Juve made it 2-2 just before the break when Paolo Maldini gave the ball away and Camoranesi crossed for David Trezeguet, whose header was brilliantly blocked by keeper Zeljko Kalac only for winger Salihamidizic to score.

The second half become a little cagey as both coach wanted to avoid conceding again, before Milan defender Bonera slipped and planted his studs on Mohamed Sissoko's shin and received a straight red card.

Camoranesi then made sure he set up all three Juve goals when his free kick was nodded in unmarked by Salihamidzic.

Post Match Comment:

'This has complicated the situation of course. We will try (to reach a Champions League spot) just like we have tonight,' said Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti.

'We have been able to play the match we wanted. 3-2, it's been a really great game,' Juve coach Ranieri said.

Juventus vs AC Milan: The clash of titan

Juventus vs Milan. Round 73. 33rd matchday of Serie A.

AC Milan must win. This is the only choice for them to qualify for next year's Champion's League. Milan is still chasing Fiorentina for the 4th place. Fiorentina progression in UEFA Cup may well be an advantage for Milan, as the fixtures get more pack, Fiorentina will slip up and give Milan the 4th place. Currently Milan are 3 points behind Fiorentina. If a draw between the 2 sides, which is highly likely as well, then Milan will close in on Fiorentina, provided they stumble against league leaders Inter.

Here is the list of the 20 players called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the away game in Turin, and the ones who are unavailable.

Goalkeeper: Dida, Fiori, Kalac
Defender: Bonera, Cafu, Digao, Favalli, Maldini, Serginho, Simic
Midfielder: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf
Forward: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Paloschi

Suspended: Nesta, Kaladze
Unavailable: Jankulovski, Oddo, Emerson, Pato, Ronaldo

Juve's coach Claudio Ranieri had said that "It will be a very nice game, Milan made more points away from home. They have many champions who will fight, but even we are fine, therefore it will be a very nice game. I don't want a point less than what is in our possibilities. It's a very important week and a win would represent a huge advantage for us to enter Europe."

And this could be Paolo Maldini's last match against Juve, and Juve midfielder Mauro German Camoranesi during a press conference ahead of the match against Milan said: "If we beat Milan, it will be very difficult for them to recover and the Champions League race could be over. Milan remain a very competitive team, they have players who can resolve the team at any moment. Also, Kaká has returned and he can make the difference. I hope it's not the last time I play against Maldini, he's an example and must continue playing."

So let us look on to this historic rivalry.

Ronaldinho to Milan?..

What a way to start my 1st post! Ronaldinho going to Milan! But not yet a done deal though. Well Ronaldinho has agreed initial terms with AC Milan, and Milan will now speak to Barcelona about a deal.

Ronaldinho has had a difficult time at the Nou Camp this season because of injury and more significantly, loss of form. A move has long been mooted, with him link to also to Chelsea. Currently he is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season.

'In general Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement,' his agent and brother Roberto de Assis was quoted as saying.Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said: 'There is a general agreement with the player. Now a deal has to be reached with Barcelona. Give us time.'

According to newspaper Gazzetta, Milan will offer a deal up to 2012 worth eight million euros ($12.6 million) a year, with a few clauses yet to be agreed. Media has also speculated about a transfer fee of between 20 and 30 million euros while some newspapers have talked about Ronaldinho buying up the rest of his contract at Barca.

This news has been a great boost to Milan, which may solve their goalscoring problem this season, and also to Serie A. It has been quite some time since a real star player move to Italy, though again not a star at his best. The situation is similar to Ronaldo when he move from Real, but certainly Ronaldinho is at a better condition than Ronaldo when he moved. Despite Ronaldinho not having the form of his life, he can still contribute positively to Milan, just like Ronaldo did during his 1st 6 months in Milan. And with him around Milan fans can dream of big things again, probably the Scudetto, and a good run in European competition.

Besides, Ancelotti has been assured of his job next term, which may contribute to Ronaldinho to move to Milan, even at the expense of buying up the rest of his contract with Barcelona. In recent years, Milan has created a positive image of stability and humility, which appeals to players with undoubted class, but who had not been doing so well.

Forza Milan!..