David Beckham Urges Kaka To Stay At Milan

There was an air of mourning mixed with chants of anger at the San Siro last night as AC Milan claimed victory over Fiorentina thanks to Alexandre Pato's lone goal.
The result was secondary, even though it keeps the Rossoneri alive in the Scudetto race, as David Beckham made his first appearance at the Giuseppe Meazza since arriving on-loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
But even he wasn't the centre of attention, as the focus was purely on Kaka in what might prove to be his last game as a Milan player.
The Brazilian superstar now seems all but certain to join Manchester City now that their mammoth €120 million bid is set to be accepted by the Italian giants.
However, Beckham does not buy into the frenzy surrounding the former FIFA World Player of the Year's proposed move and hopes he snubs the vast riches on offer at Eastlands.
"I don't think it was Kaka's last game," the 33-year-old midfielder said in The Daily Mail.
"I think there's always going to be speculation around him, there's always going to be speculation around big players at big clubs and they don't come much bigger than Ricardo (Kaka). But he's very happy here.
"Without doubt he should stay. AC Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's not always about money. There is not one player in that dressing room that cares about money before football. I hope he stays."
Wise words from a man who has so often been accused of favouring personal gain over the pursuit of footballing greatness.
Mike Maguire, Goal.com

Real Madrid Offer Milan Late Bid For Kaka - Report

As the Kaka transfer drama rumbles on, Real Madrid are attempting to throw a late spanner in the works.

According to the News Of The World, the club contacted Kaka's father on Friday night and signalled their intent to sign the player.

Real Madrid are willing to match Manchester City's record-breaking €120 million bid, but they will not go anywhere near the estimated €562,000-a-week wages that City are said to be offering.

In their favour, however, is the fact that Kaka appears reluctant to move to a club that does not play at the highest level, a platform that Real Madrid can guarantee.
In addition, a move to the Bernabeu would only materialise in the summer, after their club elections, allowing the Brazilian star to play out the season at Milan.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Sacchi Loses Faith In Milan's Scudetto Bid

Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi has expressed doubts about the Rossoneri's ability and consistency to pull results out of the bag week in, week out following the controversial 2-2 draw with Torino on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have struggled to break down the lesser teams this season:  they drew with both Lecce and Toro and only just managed to scrape past Chievo 1-0.

Sacchi, who coached at the club between 1987 and 1991, doesn't think Milan have what it takes this term even though they are just three points behind bitter city rivals Inter.

"Milan have an excellent tactical culture. Carlo Ancelotti has been there for seven years but he doesn't always find the equal motivation and determination," Sacchi told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"The team has great technical qualities and they are brilliant at holding onto the ball but sometimes they over do it and they fail to find the same hunger and enthusiasm.

"A lot of players move without the ball and they only express their best football in the big games and this could cost them."

"I don't think it will be easy for them to win."

The Rossoneri take on Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup on Thursday night but their main aim this season remains the Scudetto.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Girlfriend Demands Four Ducklings From Pato

The Rossoneri star has been impressing on the pitch but also off it as his girlfriend reveals she wants to spend the rest of her life with him and she has already laid down the objectives for next season.

"Pato is my future and I want to spend my life by his side," Brito told Brazilian magazine 'Contigo'.

"I want to have four children with him because I come from a big family and I want to have a big family too.

"I want to get married in church as this has always been my dream."

Pato has been scoring on the pitch for Milan now it's time to do it off the turf.

Brito has risen to fame for her acting roles but, most notably, for her appearance in Playboy magazine when she turned 18.

Meanwhile, Milan are just one point off the top of Serie A following their 1-0 win over Atalanta on Sunday night, thanks to Kaka.

Salvatore Landolina

Big Brother Milan Spy Players In Training

The Rossoneri have been a disaster during the first few games of the season, picking up back to back losses in the process.

Vice president Adriano Galliani has demanded answers and it seems as if coach Carlo Ancelotti is providing them, albeit on dvd.

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims the club have set up a number of state of the art cameras and equipment around their Milanello training ground in order to monitor their players levels of focus.

The equipment has been positioned above the pitch so that nothing is missed as the players are put under scrutiny.

Ancelotti will analyse the images alongside his staff and then he will use them to highlight where individual players are going wrong.

It’s a delicate moment at the club with a number of reports suggesting that Ancelotti’s time is running out on the bench.

This latest attempt to try and smooth over the bumpy road seems like a no nonsense way to get their best from his players.

No more laughing or joking around on the training ground then as the club toughens up its stance in light of the recent problems.  

Salvatore Landolina

Milan make losing start

AC Milan started the new Serie A season with a dismal 2-1 defeat at home to Bologna.

Goals from Marco Di Vaio and Francesco Valiani gave the visitors a famous win in the San Siro, but Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti remained philosophical.

He said: "It was a bit of a strange game, but I think there have been quite a few surprise results at the start of the season when teams aren't entirely up to speed.

"I don't think the side played badly or was lacking in any area. We attacked for 90 minutes and were punished by the only two chances Bologna created."

AS Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Napoli, while Alberto Gilardino netted a last-minute equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Juventus.

Torino were comfortable 3-0 winners at home to Lecce, while Mauro Zarate scored twice in Lazio's resounding 4-1 success at Cagliari.

Atalanta edged out Siena 1-0, while Catania beat Genoa by the same scoreline.

Newly-promoted Chievo beat Reggina 2-1, with Vincenzo Italiano grabbing the winner two minutes from time.

It Feels As If I've Won The Champions League - Sheva

Andriy Shevchenko made his first comments as a 'new' Milan player. The Ukrainian ace has made his return to the club he played for between 1999 and 2006, when he left for Chelsea. The player compared his satisfaction to winning a Champions League.

"I'm doing well," he said to Milan's official website, "and I'm happy. I had been hoping to come back for a while and already yesterday I imagined this negotiation could end well.

"For me, it's as if I've won a Champions League. There were some complications, but now that everything has been resolved I am truly happy."

Milan initially only wanted the player back on loan, but Chelsea only wanted to sell him permanently. However, it seems the negotiations were unblocked after a meeting between billionaire owners Silvio Berlusconi and Roman Abramovich, and Shevchenko is now a Milan player 100% again.

Ronaldinho Moving Back To Barcelona

Ronaldinho finally completed his long drawn-out transfer to the Rossoneri last month, thus ending his five-year stay at Barcelona.

The 28-year-old joined the Blaugrana back in 2003, and during his first three seasons at the club, the Brazilian was without doubt the best player in the world, wowing audiences with his silky-smooth skills, winning two La Liga titles, the Champions League, as well as picking up the World Footballer of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and the Ballon d’Or too.

Things then started to take a turn for the worse, the last 12 months in particular, but Ronaldinho still is emotionally tied to the city of Barcelona, and has told his brother-and-agent Roberto de Assis to buy a new mansion in the area he used to live in.

Ronaldinho is well known for his party-loving lifestyle, and while he is not playing for Milan, plans to spend his free time shared between Barcelona and his hometown of Porto Alegre.

The 28-year-old is currently on duty for Brazil at the Olympics in Beijing and will be hoping to lead the Selecao to the bronze medal in their third and fourth play-off against Belgium tomorrow.

Roberto Rossi

Kaka To Chelsea, Next Summer

Chelsea have been consistently linked with a move for the European and World Footballer of the Year since very early on in Roman Abramovich’s tenureship at Stamford Bridge.

This summer has been the hottest since with regards to speculation, and a few weeks ago the Italian and English press was full of reports over a possible transfer.

This most recent saga started towards the end of July when it was reported that Chelsea had made a €100m bid for Kaka. The next day Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani confirmed that he had rejected a “conspicuous” offer from Chelsea but wouldn’t reveal a figure, before adding that Kaka was not for sale at any price.

Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon then refuted talk of a bid for Kaka, but this didn’t stop the press reporting that the English giants were to make a gargantuan €150m offer for the Brazilian.

Eventually the rampant speculation died down, but a new report in The Times claims that there is a very good chance that the transfer could go through next summer.

Chelsea are said to be already laying the groundwork for a world record deal that will take one year to complete, and are hoping that this long-term tactic will provide the same result as their pursuit of former Rossonero Andriy Shevchenko, who they tried to sign in three consecutive summers before finally capturing him in 2006.

Milan have told Chelsea that they will not sell Kaka this summer, but may reconsider this stance next year. The player himself may also be open to the move due to the presence of Blues manager Luiz Felipe Scolari who coached Kaka for Brazil during their victorious 2002 World Cup campaign in Korea and Japan.

Roberto Rossi

Tosh Dreams Of Milan

The Scottish First Division minnows caused a sensation last season when they made it all the way to the final of the Scottish Cup, where they narrowly lost out 3-2 to Rangers in an epic final.

This allowed the Doonhamers access into Europe, and they will qualify for the UEFA Cup proper if they negotiate their way past Danish side Nordsjaelland, with the first leg in Scotland tonight.

Queen of the South midfielder Stevie Tosh says he is desperate to get through, as it is his dream to play against AC Milan.

"I'm like a kid at Christmas and the present I want is AC Milan in the first round proper,” he is quoted as saying in the Daily Record.

“That would even eclipse the time Raith played Bayern Munich in 1995 and the possibility of such a tie is only 180 minutes away.

"But we can't be dismissed out of hand because we've prepared thoroughly for the Danes and now we're itching to get at them.”

Milan are only in the UEFA Cup this year after finishing fifth in Serie A last season.

Roberto Rossi

Paloschi: I Want Milan Stay

The 18-year-old Paloschi, who burst onto the Italian scene last season, had last month been on the verge of moving to Torino on a season-long loan deal.

The transfer was all set to be completed until a serious injury in training to Marco Borriello plunged Milan into something of a forward crisis.
With Pippo Inzaghi and Kaka also sidelined, and Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato going to the Olympics, Paloschi was only the fit striker available, and thus his transfer to Torino was scrapped.
Over the last few days there have been renewed reports that Paloschi could still leave on loan before the end of the transfer window, with Serie B side Bari named as a possible destination.
"I do not know where I'll be playing, but this season I aim to score more goals than last season," Paloschi told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Bari? AC Milan will find the best solution.
"With the Rossoneri I'm living a beautiful experience: growing, watching and learning.”
Paloschi did not even have a holiday this summer after immediately joining Milan’s pre-season camp at the end of Italy’s Under-19 European Championship campaign, which the Azzurrini finished as runners-up.
Roberto Rossi

Ivanovic To Milan Within Hours

Ivanovic only joined Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow in January of this year for €13m, however he has become something of a forgotten man, and has still yet to make his first team debut, despite having no injuries.

With Chelsea also possessing the likes of John Terry, Riccardo Carvalho, and Alex in the centre back positions, there is no space for the Serbian international, and he has been certain to leave Stamford Bridge for quite some time.

Milan are desperate to sign a defender following a spate of injuries in defence, with key man Alessandro Nesta’s recurrent back problem causing concern.

Milan transfer chief Ariedo Braida will arrive in London this afternoon to meet with Ivanovic’s agent Marko Naletilic and Chelsea director Peter Kenyon.

The terms over the transfer could be sealed at this meeting, and Ivanovic is expected to join Milan on a one year loan deal, with the option of making the move permanent for around €12.5m.

The Rossoneri have had a disastrous pre-season, and on Saturday afternoon they fell to yet another defeat, losing 1-0 at Manchester City.

Milan Enter Race For Freddie

The 31-year-old is currently a free agent after being released from his four year contract at West Ham last week.

Ljungberg struggled badly after signing for The Hammers from Arsenal last year, making 30 appearances, and scoring just four goals.

The East London outfit were keen to get the Swede’s reported £80,000 salary off their wage bill, and Ljungberg is now searching for a club ahead of the new season.

The midfielder is still admired in Italy following his outstanding nine years with Arsenal between 1998 and 2007, where he was instrumental in winning two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups.

Ljungberg is already a reported target for Lazio, but sources in Italy claim that Milan are also ready to offer the veteran a contract.

The Rossoneri are looking to sign an alternative in the attacking midfield role given the injury troubles to Kaka, and Ljungberg could be the man for the job.

The former Halmstads man, who has won 80 caps for Sweden, is said to be tempted by a move to Milan, given the fact that the city is known as one of the fashion center's of Europe. Ljungberg is a male model, and is known for his love of fashion.

Roberto Rossi

Milan: Kaka Op Useless And Damaging

The doctor has accused professor Runco, the surgeon who operated the player, of making a mistake as he believes the injury to Kaka’s meniscus had nothing to do with the inflammation of his tendon.  

Therefore, it seems there was no point in Kaka’s recent surgery as it didn’t seem to solve anything according to Meersseman.  

“With the operation the player wanted, time was lost because he had to undergo rehabilitation with following the right cures from previously,” said the MilanLab chief.  

“The injury to his meniscus which was solved during the operation had nothing to do with the inflammation.  

“The operation was useless and damaging.”  

Doctor Meersseman also had a few words on Alessandro Nesta’s recent problems.  

“We had to do an infiltration to Nesta and we have to wait a few days. The surgeon who is curing the player is optimistic,” said Meersseman.  

“We also need to be positive but we will have to wait another week or so.”  

Kaka’s injury woes are set to continue following this latest set-back.  

His knee problem is causing such hype that it has led to speculation he may have trouble returning any time soon.  

Salvatore Landolina

Shevchenko To Milan Always A Doubt

he Ukrainian international became a hero at San Siro during his reign in Serie A.

He was then snapped up by Chelsea. Shevchenko has never managed to get the ball rolling in England and he was tipped for a move back to Milan.

However, a Chelsea source revealed that such a move was never going to happen.

"There have been conversations with Milan about Shevchenko, but when they outlined their idea for a deal it was a definite non-starter,” the source told The Sunday Mirror.

"They had no interest in signing him permanently. They wanted him on loan and were only prepared to pay a fraction of his wages. They were quickly told it would never happen."

Just days ago, Milan vice president Adriano Galliani revealed that there would be no return for Sheva.

Salvatore Landolina      

I Will Be Ready For The Start Of Serie A, Promises Kaka

Kaka is confident that he will not miss the start of Serie A as he has some more weeks to recover from the injury he suffered recently.

"Let's see how long this injury will take: there is still one month before the start, therefore there is all the time to cure myself," explained the Brazilian ace.

"I exclude any other surgeries. My return on the pitch has been agreed, therefore there is no hurry."

Kaka also believes that the Milan side which faced Chelsea on Sunday has nothing to do with the real team which will be playing in the upcoming season.

"We are still preparing ourselves, we have some missing players and others have not arrived yet.

"However, this will not happen again as these are things which we cannot allow to happen when we wear this shirt, but only at the end of the month things will get serious," concluded the midfielder.

Glenn Debattista

Chelsea Thrash Milan In Friendly

The Blues took the lead in the opening minutes courtesy of a Frank Lampard free kick that was poorly defended by Milan and which somehow found its way into the back of the net.
Chelsea then doubled their lead five minutes later through Anelka who scored with a shot from the edge of the area, for his first goal of the match.
Wright-Phillips then went close for Chelsea as they completely dominated the early exchanges, before Anelka got his second, and Chelsea’s third, after an awful error by goalkeeper Kalac, left the Frenchman with an easy tap in to an empty net.
Milan, missing key players such as Kaka, Pato, Inzaghi and Borriello, had few chances in the first half and went in to the break a rather beleaguered three nil down.
It didn’t get much better for the Rossoneiri in the second half. Scolari freshened up his side at the break swapping Ballack for Deco and the former Barcelona man was involved in his side’s fourth goal. The Portuguese combined well with Malouda whose cross was headed home by Anelka for his hat trick goal.
The Frenchman then wrapped things up just under the hour mark, Malouda again finding his compatriot who converted from close range.
Scolari then took pity on Milan by replacing the four goal Anelka shortly after for Shevchenko who faced his former team but once again, was unable to find the back of the net.
Although Chelsea had further openings with Malouda and Deco both going close, the game ended 5-0 and Chelsea will now return to London ahead of their opening Premier League game against Portsmouth on August 17. 

Gill Clark

Moscow miss adds to Shevchenko's woes at Chelsea

Chelsea were left numbed by a feeling of déjà vu last night after succumbing on penalties in a cup competition staged in the Russian capital for the second time in just over two months. Where Champions League heartache had been reserved for John Terry and Nicolas Anelka, this time it was Andriy Shevchenko who effectively ended as the fall guy.
The Ukrainian has struggled since moving to London in a £30m deal two years ago from Milan and his former manager there, Carlo Ancelotti, suggested yesterday, before the match, that his inability to make an impact has been born less of a lack of fitness than "psychological" problems as he struggles to adapt to life in a new country. His miss here in the Railways Cup, Ivan Pelizzoli pushing away Chelsea's sixth penalty with his feet, may have come in a friendly tournament but it will have done little to improve his state of mind.
Shevchenko underwent surgery on a groin complaint over the summer which prevented him from beginning pre-season training at the same time as his team-mates. He had played a bit-part role on the club's tour of Asia and was granted only the final 15 minutes by Luiz Felipe Scolari last night. His cameo ended in the poorly placed shot after Wayne Bridge had earlier passed up the chance to claim victory in the shoot-out.
Scolari was at pains to stress that he had pre-selected the penalty takers that might be used in a shoot-out before last night's game. "Before the game I said to the players that, if we have penalties after the game, I'd choose the players to take them," he said. "I told them it was my choice and, if we didn't win, it'd be my mistake, not theirs. We do need to change the situation, because we will have penalty shoot-outs again, but one penalty will not change my idea of Shevchenko."
This was the third consecutive shoot-out that Chelsea have lost. While Scolari is adamant he can improve that record, he appears already to have decided that Shevchenko will start the season as a squad player. The Chelsea manager had always intended to use this four-team tournament as an occasion to fine-tune his first-choice line-up, with the striker's lack of fitness having effectively already returned him to the fringes with little prospect of beginning the opening Premier League game against Portsmouth this month.
Ancelotti, who worked with the striker in his pomp at San Siro, insisted that Shevchenko could still make his mark at Stamford Bridge despite having scored only nine league goals in two seasons at the club, though only if he comes to terms with life in a new country.
"I'd say the reason he has not had the same impact as he did in Italy is that, when he moved to Chelsea from Milan, that is a hard thing to do," said Ancelotti. "He had to move to another country and the environment changed.
"All these factors obviously affected his condition. He's trying to play the way he can. I believe he has great talent, and we have seen that many times. If he overcomes these problems, which are mostly psychological and, I think, because he moved to a different country, then he will achieve a lot in the Chelsea team. I believe he can still achieve that."
Chelsea led here through Michael Essien's wonderfully lashed first-half goal but shipped an equaliser through Ruslan Kambolov six minutes from time after missing a plethora of chances to extend their lead. They will now play Milan in the third-place play-off tomorrow, with the hosts progressing to take on Sevilla, 1-0 victors over the Rossoneri, in the final.

Maldini: I Want The Scudetto

The Rossoneri lost to Sevilla on Friday night in the Russian Railways tournament, but on a more positive note, Maldini returned to the side following injury.  

The number three played well and he is looking forward to the new season where Scudetto glory is a priority.  

“I am delighted with my return,” said the 40-year-old.  

“My principal objective this year is to win the Scudetto even if the UEFA Cup is also important.  

“However, if I was to choose between the two, it would be the Tricolore.”  

The Rossoneri qualified for the UEFA Cup following a less than perfect season in Serie A.  

The Milan board have always claimed that this year the Scudetto would be priority, which has led to speculation that the club will snub the UEFA Cup.  

Maldini’s words seem to back-up the club’s stance.  

Salvatore Landolina

Ambrosini: We Did Better Than Expected

Ambrosini was impressed with the Rossoneri’s triumph in the Trofeo Tim, but more importantly he was very satisfied with the display of the entire team in both games.

“It went better than we had imagined because after just four days of preparation it’s normal not to be at your best,” declared the midfielder.

“Until the first half we played quite well, but then we had to wait for an hour before our second game and starting again was more difficult.”

Ambrosini saw Juventus in better shape from the physical point of view, but he is not worried by this fact.

“Juventus proved to be physically a step ahead of us and Inter, but these are games which serve to put the squad in the right condition,” he explained.

“I saw a great commitment by everyone and Milan did well.”

Glenn Debattista, goal.com

Milan Beat Inter On Penalties To Lift The TIM Trophy

The Rossoneri started the game brightly with Kaka going close early on following his super run on goal before Julio Cesar was forced to smother the danger.
Inter then responded with Luis Figo playing a brilliant one-two with Jimenez before Abbiati pushed the drive out for a corner but the Nerazzurri failed to capitalise.
The game began to pick up pace midway through with both teams searching for a winner and it was new signing, Sulley Ali Muntari’s turn to test the Milan defence.
The Ghanaian unleashed a superb drive from distance which saw Abbiati make an equally impressive save to prevent Inter from going a goal to the good.
Kaka once again went on one of his trademark runs which left Esteban Cambiasso for dead. However it was another brilliant save from Cesar which denied him.
Neither side were then able to take the lead and the game was decided via a penalty shoot out.
Kaka stepped up first to send Toldo, who replaced Cesar, the wrong way before Adriano levelled for Inter by fooling Abbiati from 12 yards.
It was then down to Massimo Oddo but the stopper saw his tame effort saved by Toldo. Luis Figo also had his effort saved by Abbiati who gathered comfortably.
Jankulovski then restored Milan’s lead before Suazo hit home to level the scores.
Favalli and Jimenez both missed their efforts before Brocchi and Santon stuck theirs away comfortably.
Digao then restored Milan’s lead before Muntari missed his.
The 4-3 result means Milan win the Trofeo Tim with four points with Juve ending runners up also with four points but Milan had the better head to head record. Inter finish the tournament with just one point.

Shevchenko To Milan Imminent

A number of reports have claimed the Ukrainian international is not really a part of the Blues plans this season and an imminent exit is on the cards.  

With a number of injuries affecting Milan up front, the club have found themselves in crisis and they are desperate for a proven striker.  

Shevchenko has always revealed his ambition to rejoin the club at some point in his career and he may do so as early as next week.  

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims that Milan officials will meet up with the player during the friendly Russian Railways tournament which takes place next week in Moscow and will involve Chelsea, Lokomotiv, Sevilla and, of course, Milan.  

Carlo Ancelotti was quick to reveal that he would welcome Sheva back to San Siro with open arms.  

“If I see Shevchenko in Moscow I will say hello to him. The player will not go to any other Italian club apart from Milan,” said the coach.  

Shevchenko remains a hero in Milan having scored 127 goals in 208 appearances for the club and Rossoneri fans will be eager for his return.  

Chelsea To Offer Kaka £1m A Month

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Just when you thought the saga was over, once again reports hit the press over a possible Kaka move from Milan to Chelsea.

The most recent episodes in this soap opera started just over a week ago when it was reported that Chelsea had made a €100m offer for the Brazilian.

The next day Milan transfer guru Adriano Galliani confirmed that he had rejected a “conspicuous” offer from Chelsea but wouldn’t reveal a figure, before adding that Kaka was not for sale at any price.

Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon then refuted talk of a bid for Kaka, but this didn’t stop the Gazzetta dello Sport from then reporting that the English giants were to make a gargantuan €150m offer for the Brazilian.

This was again rubbished by Galliani, who stated that the press were just making up the rumours, and would soon print stories of a €200m bid.

All talk of a transfer appeared to have died down until a report in The Observer today claimed that Chelsea are set to offer Kaka £1m-a-month in order to tempt him into joining them this season. This would make the 26-year-old the first £1m-a-month player in footballing history

"Kaka's contract gives him €9million in its first season and rises by a million euros for each of its five years," a Milan source revealed. "To better that, Chelsea will have to begin at more than £200,000 a week."

A source close to the World Cup winner also told the Observer that Kaka "has been offered a considerably bigger offer than Milan's.”

It remains to be seen what the truth is, and how both Chelsea and Milan react to this latest report, but one thing is for sure, and that is the speculation surrounding Chelsea and Kaka just will not go away

Agent - Kaka happy at Milan

Kaka's agent has insisted that the reported Chelsea target is happy at AC Milan and is not looking to move on.

The Brazil playmaker has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, but the Rossoneri have no interest in allowing their star man to leave.
And Gaetano Paolillo insists his client is content at the San Siro, where he is under contract until 2013.
"Kaka has always been happy at Milan and he still is," he said.
"He has a special feeling with the fans and with everyone. His family is happy at Milan."
Last season, Spanish champions Real Madrid made a bid for the 26-year-old but their efforts were rebuffed. They revived their interest again this year but with the same result.
Paolillo is not surprised by the interest shown in Kaka by top European clubs.

Dreams

"It's normal that every year big clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid make offers to sign key players like Kaka," he added.
"When (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich's offer came to light, Real contacted us to say that if the player was up for sale they would be interested as well."
Paolillo has not ruled out the possibility of Kaka playing for Chelsea one day but believes that all depends on Milan's intentions.
"(Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe) Scolari has infinite affection for Kaka but regardless of this, for Abramovich, Kaka is the dream that is missing, Kaka is in his dreams," said Paolillo.
"It will depend on Milan. If (AC Milan owner Silvio) Berlusconi wants to keep him at Milan it will be difficult for Kaka to leave.
"If a player is happy he remains in a squad."

Madrid Have Asked About Kaká - Galliani

Los Merengues made contact with the Rossoneri amid reports that Chelsea are preparing a mega offer for the Brazilian star and want to ensur that they do not miss out. Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, confirmed that the Spanish giants had made enquiries, but then reiterated that the player would not be going anywhere this summer. "I was on Abramovich's boat," he said. "I wanted to talk about Shevchenko and he wanted to talk about Kaká, but in the end nothing happened. "On the other hand, I can say that Madrid have again asked about Kaká." Ramón Calderón has already seen his popularity sorely tested over the Milan star after promising to sign both him and Cesc Fàbregas during his race for the Madrid presidency. Arjen Robben was the club's third choice and while he arrived, fans have not forgotten the club's supremo's failure to keep his promise on the more cherished stars. The Madrid chief is currently under pressure after spending the summer making assurances that Ronaldo would be joining from Manchester United, only for the tide appearing to be turning against him. Chelsea's interest in Kaká appears to be going nowhere with Milan dismissing reports that they had received a mega offer or were ready to accept one. "We will never sell him," Galliani added. Even if we received an offer of €300m from Chelsea. The only way we would ever consider letting him go is if it was his desire."
Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Scolari's plea to Chelsea: 'Get Kaka'

Luiz Felipe Scolarihas made 'a personal request to Chelsea that they must sign Kaká', the Milan and Brazil playmaker who is the current World Footballer of the Year. Although Chelsea denied having made a bid, Adrian Galliani, Milan's vice-president, said last night: 'I can confirm that we have received offers from England for Kaká. But the fans can be calm because Kaká will remain at Milan despite the offers received from Chelsea.'

Scolari's request, confirmed by a highly placed source at Stamford Bridge last night, provides the first defining test of the Brazilian's power and influence at the club and how successful his tenure as coach may be.

'We have not bid for Kaká,' said a spokesperson. However, it is thought a representative from the Serie A club was in London last week to meet the Chelsea hierarchy. Two weeks ago, Galliani claimed Chelsea had made an 'astronomical' bid for the player whom Scolari gave his international debut to in 2002.

On Friday, in Brazil, Kaká's assistant Diogo Kotscho said: 'Real Madrid offered €90m [£70m] last summer and Milan did not even think about it. This time is different. This is the first time we feel a deal will definitely happen. Because of the [financial] situation Milan are in at the moment, the deal is good for all parties.'

Kaká has been reluctant to leave the club he joined in 2003. 'He has always been very loyal to Milan,' a friend said. 'But he has been advised to move on for a fresh challenge.' Milan are not in this season's Champions League.

There were also reports last night that Chelsea had bid for the Real Madrid winger Robinho. 'There was a firm offer from Chelsea of €40m [£32m], but Madrid's president didn't want to transfer him,' claimed Robinho's agent, Wagner Ribeiro. 'I think it is difficult for Robinho to move to Chelsea.'

Galliani Confirms Blues' Bid For Kaka

Brazil and Milan ace Kaka was the latest big name to be linked with a mega move this week as the elite clubs continue to test each other's resolve in the summer transfer market.

Big-spenders Chelsea reportedly sought to lure the Rossoneri's star man to the Premiership, just after the Serie A side linked him up with his countryman Ronaldinho.

A €100m bid has been mentioned and subsequently went some way to unsettling the midfield maestro.

The 26-year-old went on to claim that there were in fact two clubs after his services, with his apparent advisor, Diogo Kotscho, adding that, although Real Madrid had failed to land the player last year, a move to London was more likely.

However, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that, although Chelsea have laid their credit cards on the table, bigwig Silvio Berlusconi hasn't taken the rather expensive bait.

“Chelsea want Kaka?” Galliani cheekily asked eager reporters on Saturday. “It's true - they have made a conspicuous offer - but I won't tell you how much it is.

Adding that his boss has a backbone of steel, Galliani continued: "President Berlusconi basically says no to Kaka [leaving], just as he did when Real Madrid wanted [Andrei] Shevchenko in 2001.

“Even Clarence Seedorf is staying here; the fans can sleep easy.”

Liam Black, Goal.com

Kaka Wants Chelsea, Says Spokesman

Diogo Kotscho, a man who has also been described as Kaka's personal assistant or advisor, has given Rossoneri fans real cause for concern by saying that all is lined up for Kaka to leave the San Siro for Stamford Bridge, not least of all his boss's intent.

"Real Madrid offered 90 million euros (£71million) last summer and Milan did not even think about the bid," Kotscho was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

"This time is different. This is the first time we feel that a deal will definitely happen.

"Because of the situation Milan are in at the moment, the deal is good for all parties involved.

"The move would represent a significant increase in Kaka's salary, on top of the 10% transfer fee that goes straight to the player anyway - some 15 million euros (£12million).

"Chelsea are the club to be at right now. They are building a team to win everything."

Despite their adamant protests throughout the summer so far - as well as this time last year when Real Madrid came calling - the powers that be at Milanmay be coaxed into selling their star player following the purchase of Ronaldinho, a ready-made replacement who they bought at a fraction of the price.

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Ancelotti Thanks Milan For Successful Summer

Ancelotti’s head was on the chopping block following an indifferent campaign that saw Milan finish fifth in Serie A after losing out to Fiorentina in the race for Champions League qualification.

Many believed it was time for a fresh start at San Siro, with wholesale changes to the playing squad and coaching necessary for the club to move forward and reclaim their throne at the very pinnacle of Italian football.

But surprisingly few names have been scratched off the Rossoneri payroll this summer – underperforming striker Alberto Gilardino is perhaps the only major exit to have taken place thus far.

Indeed, of far more note are the additions, especially that of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho, who followed Gianluca Zambrotta this week by completing the switch from Barcelona.

Ancelotti is thankful for the club’s investment in the transfer market, and is adamant his side can push for their first league title since 2004 and their first-ever UEFA Cup crown.

Competitive

“First of all I need to thank the club for what they have done,” he said on Milan’s official website. “The efforts were important after a very unusual year.

“We now have a very competitive squad and we are preparing to play the new season with a lot of motivation and enthusiasm. As Adriano Galliani said our primary objective will be the Scudetto, but to win the Uefa Cup would also be a great experience.

“The final will be played in Istanbul and we have a bad memory of that city which we want to cancel.”

Enthusiasm

Ronaldinho’s arrival at San Siro has met with mixed opinions. Some believe the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year will give the team an extra spark of creativity up front, while others claim he is past his best, unfit and would serve only to intrude upon Kaka’s natural playing style.

But Ancelotti had nothing but praise the for 28-year-old: “He has arrived and immediately brought a big wave of enthusiasm. I expect him to make himself available to play in the best possible conditions and express himself at his own high levels.”

Biography Ricardo Kaka

Family

Kaká's younger brother Rodrigo Izecson Dos Santos Leite, known as Digão , followed in his brother's footsteps and is currently on loan with Serie B team Rimini , after having spent some time in the AC Milan youth squad.

Nickname

Ricardo "Kaka"

The nickname Kaká , from his native Portuguese , is pronounced as it is spelt. The accent would signify that the stress is on the second syllable. In Italian , the language of his current team, the phonetic equivalent is written as Kakà , which is used for Italian television graphics. However, the player's shirt name is spelt KAKA' (with an apostrophe , rather than an accented 'A') for both Brazil and Milan.

An internet discussion forum explains the nickname as a commonly used shortened form of "Ricardo" in Portuguese. Kaká is supposed to have got his nickname because his little brother Rodrigo could not pronounce the word "Ricardo" when they were young. Rodrigo called his older brother "Caca" which the latter later changed to "Kaká".

Accident

Kaka points to the sky

Kaká suffered an accident when he made a faulty jump off a diving-board, resulting in a vertebra fracture. This could have meant the end of his football career, but he believes that Jesus allowed him to recover and become the successful footballer he is now. When AC Milan won the Serie A title in 2004, Ricky, as he is called by his team-mates, sported a shirt with an "I Belong to Jesus" slogan. He also points his fingers to the sky as a sign of thanks every time he scores, for apparently the same reason.
Marriage

Kaka and Caroline

Kaká married Caroline Celico on 23 December 2005 at the evangelical Reborn in Christ Church in Sao Paulo , Brazil, in a wedding attended by fellow players from his national team, as well as other well known international players. Guests included Ronaldo , Adriano , Cafu , Dida , Julio Baptista and Brazilian national coach Carlos Alberto Parreira . Caroline and Kaká first met in 2002, and started dating soon after. The relationship survived Kaká's move from Sao Paulo to Italy in 2003, while Caroline was still at school. It is likely that Caroline will stay in Brazil in the short-run, but the couple plan to live together in Italy very soon.

Teams São Paulo FC 2000 - 2003 AC Milan 2003 - Present Achievements AC Milan Debuts Serie A International Competitions Italy's Cup Italy's Supercup 1.9.2003 16.9.2003 3.12.2003 21.8.2004 Ancona-Milan 0-2 Milan-Ajax 1-0 Sampdoria-Milan 0-1 Milan-Lazio 3-0 Honours and Achievements World Cup Brazilian Golden Ball European Super Cup Italian League Best Foreign Player of Serie A Italian Super Cup 2002 2002 2003 2004 2004 2004 Confederations Cup Uefa CL Best Midfielder FIFPRO World XI Player Awards UEFA European Cup European Player Of The YearEuropean Best Forward Fifa World Player Of The Year 2005 2005 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007

International Career One of the best Brazilians Kaká made his international debut in January2002 against Bolivia. He was a part of the national squad at the 2002 World Cup, but did not see much action even as Brazil won the World Championship, playing just 19 minutes of a first round match against Costa Rica. Later, he was in action at the 2004 Copa América and the 2005 Confederations Cup, which were both won by Brazil, with Kakà scoring in the Confederation Cup final win over Argentina. He finished in joint tenth place in the voting for the 2004FIFA World Player of the Year award. In the 2005 competition he finished two places higher. More recently, he has helped Brazil qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Kaká has matured as a player and is currently considered one of the best Brazilian footballers. Club Career Kaka in São Paulo FC Kaká made his debut at São Paulo FC in 2001 when he was only 19 years old. That season he scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, and a further 10 goals in 22 appearances the following season, soon attracting attention from European clubs, and it was Milan who won the race to sign him. He joined Milan in 2003 for an €8.5m fee. His first appearance came in a match at Ancona, which Milan won 2-0. In all, he scored 10 goals in 30 appearances that season, winning the Italian Serie A Championship and the European Super Cup. Fantastic in AC Milan Kaká was an integral part of the team in the 2004-05 season, usually playing in a withdrawn role behind team-mate and good friend, striker Andriy Shevchenko, in a five-man midfield. He scored 7 goals in 36 league appearances, and also won the the Italian Super Cup with the club. Milan finished second to Juventus in the Serie A, and lost the UEFA Champions League final to Liverpool on penalty kicks. He was, however, voted the best midfielder in the European tournament. He also ended up ninth position on the 2005Golden Ball standing, earning 19 votes. One of his more famous goals was the one against Fenerbahçe SK, in AC Milan's first game in the 2005-06 Champions League, won 3-1 by the Rossoneri . Kakà started his run from midfield and skipped past three tackles before entering the area and finishing with a low shot under the goal-keeper. He wears the number 22 shirt for the club. Source : Wikipedia

Kaka beaming after Ronnie move

AC Milan hotshot and Brazilian international midfielder Kaka has expressed his joy and delight after it was announced late on Tuesday night that his club have eventually signed Ronaldinho from FC Barcelona.

It was announced late in Tuesday that Ronaldinho would join Milan on a three year contract worth 20 million euros for a transfer for of potentially 25 million euros.

Kaka, who is the main and most important player at Milan, has always wanted Ronaldinho to join Milan and has never even remotely thought that he and his compatriot cannot play together.

Now that Milan have finally made Ronaldinho their own, this is what the reigning World Player of the Year had to say about the two times former World Player of the Year:

"I'm very happy with the arrival of Ronaldinho, who will bring much talent and quality to Milan and this will enable us to fight for all titles.

Milan secure Ronaldinho on the cheap as Barcelona pay for ham-fisted exit strategy

Reads a statement released by Milan: "AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho. "Tomorrow, the player will be in Milan for the medical, and to sign the contract which will tie him to Milan until June 30th 2011." This announcement brings to an end months of speculation over the Brazilian's future. He had been on the outer at Barcelona pretty much since El Clasico in December, with his private life, his fitness and his bulging waistline making more headlines than his performances on the pitch. Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, always one to back him given what they had achieved together, had to drop him due to his dropping fitness levels, and once Pep Guardiola was announced as the new coach in early May, a summer exit for the two time World Player of the Year was only a matter of time. Chelsea and Milan were the early frontrunners, with the player himself expressing a desire to team up with Luiz Felipe Scolari once again last month. However, Big Phil was not too keen, and Manchester City subsequently came into the fray. But with Chelsea out, there was only going to be one winner, and that had been clear for two weeks now. City had a superior financial offer for Barca, but as with many things these days, the player's will had the final say and a deal was struck with Milan after intense negotiations between Adriano Galliani, Joan Laporta and Roberto de Assis. During his five years in Spain, Ronaldinho won two La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), one Champions League (2005-06), the World player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005), and the Ballon d'Or (2005). He leaves on a low, but when the dust settles, he will go down as one of the best to ever play for Barcelona - as much for what he won as for the way he heralded a new era for the club following the collapse of Real Madrid's 'Galactico' policy. Some of his best displays also came on the biggest of stages - a sensational left footed strike against Milan in the Champions League in 2004, two more against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that almost saw Barcelona through single handedly later that season, and then that sublime assist for Ludovic Giuly at San Siro a year later - which guaranteed Barcelona's progress to the final. However, perhaps the crowning moment was his stunning showing at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005, when he got a standing ovation from the Real Madrid fans after two goals and a mesmerising display of football in a 3-0 win. The challenge for Milan now will be to get the player back to peak fitness, before we even speak of form. He still has the magic in his feet as we saw from his two goals on his return to football a couple of weeks ago, but whether he can roll back the years and offer the Rossoneri the kind of service he did to Barcelona, remains to be seen. His ability against rigid Italian defenses will also be tested to the limit. It will also be very interesting to see how he fits into the team, and whether Ronaldinho, Kaka, Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf (who has openly opposed this move) can play together. Barcelona, in the meantime, are expected to announce the signing of Aliaksandr Hleb, with Arsenal seemingly having given the nod following the signing of Samir Nasri from Marseille.

Kaká Not Leaving For Olympics - Milan

With a note on their official website, AC Milan wanted to silence the rumours going around in Brazil concerning Kaká's possible participation to the Beijing Olympics with the Brazilian national team.

"Following the news stories which appeared in Brazil today concerning Kaká's possible participation to the Beijing Olympics," it says on the note, "A.C. Milan reiterate the position already expressed earlier, not allowing the player to join the Brazilian Olympic team."

Kaká's Milan team mate Pato probably will be a part of the Brazilian squad, and there were even rumours that Andrea Pirlo and Filippo Inzaghi would join the Italian squad in Beijing.

Becks admits Milan interest

David Beckham has revealed he came close to joining Milan before he signed for Los Angles Galaxy.

The England midfielder left Real Madrid in 2007 and accepted a surprise offer to move to America with LA.

However, former Manchester United star Beckham has now admitted that he also gave serious consideration to a switch to the San Siro after receiving interest from Milan.

"It was an opportunity which I thought about a lot," Beckham said in Gazzetta dello Sport.

"After Manchester United and Real Madrid, I could have gone to another high level club in Milan.

Capello gratitude

"They are the club which I support in Serie A and they have played really good football for many years."

Meanwhile, Beckham has reiterated his gratitude to England manager Fabio Capello for offering him the opportunity to continue playing at international level.

Despite playing in America, Beckham remains in Capello's plans and he is relishing the chance to add to his 102 appearances for his country.

"Being given another chance and being back in the squad, and being part of the team, is one of the things Fabio Capello has brought," Beckham told Sky Sports News.

"He brings that passion. Being part of the team again is exciting and I' m honoured."

Sky Sport

Milan Admit Adebayor & Drogba Interest

The Rossoneri have made no secret of their intentions to sign a world class centre forward this summer, and several weeks ago coach Carlo Ancelotti named both Arsenal’s Adebayor and Chelsea’s Drogba on a four-man striker shortlist.

Milan’s attempts to buy either of these two players has proved frustrating, and it had appeared last week that they had given up all hope.

However it was reported in the Italian press this morning that the Diavoli had reignited their interest in Adebayor, and now Leonardo admits that they also still hold an interest in Drogba too.

“It’s no secret that we’re interested in signing a forward and we are looking at candidates,” the Brazilian told BBC Sport.

“Drogba is a fine player and I really like Adebayor. We are just waiting for the right time to make a move."

Leonardo also bemoaned the fact that Italian clubs do not hold the financial power that their English and Spanish counterparts do.

“We have to accept that the incomes of the top English and Spanish teams are greater than they are in Italy and it’s very hard for us to compete,” he explained.

“But we can offer other things. We have a first-class environment for players and a wonderful history.”

Leonardo represented Milan as a player from 1997 to 2001 and 2002 to 2003.

Galliani To Milan Fans: Stop Complaining

The Rossoneri faithful have been very critical over the limited spending during recent seasons, and earlier this week, fans staged a protest demanding that owner Silvio Berlusconi sells the club to someone willing to spend money.

Galliani, however, believes that these protests are ridiculous, particularly when you consider that the likes of Marco Borriello, Gianluca Zambrotta and Mathieu Flamini have already been signed this summer.

“We do not have a transfer kitty stashed away here,” the transfer guru told La Stampa.

“Despite failing to qualify for the Champions League, the club is strengthening the squad and increasing the wages. This means we’ll be £35m in the red without Berlusconi’s help.

“The fans should be happy, as all we’d need to do in order to wipe out or debts is sell Kaka and Andrea Pirlo. Instead they won’t move, so if that’s not a show of love for this side, I don’t know what is.

“It is incredible that the supporters are not celebrating the arrival of Marco Borriello, who scored 19 goals last season, the fact Alexandre Pato can finally play a full campaign, Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal and World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta.

“As a fan, I too hope something else will happen, but Milan have already reinforced their squad.”

Galliani also commented on the latest situation regarding targets Ronaldinho and Emmanuel Adebayor, and he confirmed that while a deal for the former is possible, the latter won’t be arriving at San Siro.

“Ronaldinho is not in Pep Guardiola’s plans for the new season, so that cuts the cost down a little, but the problem is his wages,” he explained.

“In order to meet those demands we’d have to pay next to nothing for the player himself. It all depends on Barcelona.

“I can say that Ronaldinho rejected an offer from Manchester City, who were proposing twice as much as Milan.

“[As for Adebayor] Arsene Wenger booked an appointment, but there is no point me going to Nice when he has already said he wants £32m. These are impossible figures,” Galliani concluded.

Roberto Rossi

Chelsea Make Huge Offer For Kaka

European and World Footballer of the Year Kaka has consistently been the subject of multi-million pound bids from Chelsea and Real Madrid over the past few years, however Milan have repeatedly stated that the Brazilian is not for sale.

Galliani has revealed that the Rossoneri have received yet another huge offer for their star player.

"For Kaka, a really big offer has arrived from Chelsea," said Galliani to La Stampa, before also revealing that their had been a number of offers for midfield creator Andrea Pirlo.

"For Pirlo, there have been many requests. As for him, neither Pirlo nor his agent have come in to my office asking for an improvement in his salary."

The 29-year-old’s agent was quoted in the press as saying that his client deserved to be paid the same amount of money as Kaka.

The Brazilian currently earns a reported €7.5m a year, while the Italian, despite being a virtual irreplaceable figure at the club, picks up almost half of this, earning €4m.

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