LuNo

Thanks

Thanks footballfan#7, Sandy & Aga

Thanks

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!: CL Final: AC Milan 2:1 Liverpool - match report Scorers: Inzaghi 45, 80 (M), Kuyt 88 (L) Pippo Inzaghi's brace has given Milan revenge over Liverpool with a 2-1 Champions League triumph in Athens! These teams clashed in Istanbul in the 2005 Final with the Rossoneri throwing away a 3-0 lead to lose on penalties. Two years later they were back fighting for the trophy and Paolo Maldini recovered from a knee injury to play his eighth Final. Pippo Inzaghi was picked ahead of Alberto Gilardino to start upfront, while Liverpool opted for Dirk Kuyt with support from Steven Gerrard and Bolo Zenden. Both sides qualified for the tournament via the preliminary round, as Milan were originally excluded due to the Calciopoli trial, but battled their way to their third Final in five years. Jamie Carragher charged down an Inzaghi volley after five minutes, then Clarence Seedorf's first touch let him down from an overhit Marek Jankulovski cross. A terrible Jankulovski error on the edge of his own area gave Jermaine Pennant the ball, but Nelson Dida was at full stretch for a fingertip save. Pennant found more space down the right and luckily for Milan Gerrard scuffed his shot. At the other end Inzaghi sprung the offside trap on Andrea Pirlo's chipped pass over the defence, but couldn't get the ball under control with only Pepe Reina to beat. Reina got down well to smother a Kaka strike from distance and Daniel Agger escaped without a card for his cynical shoulder-charge on Kaka. Gerrard had too much space to drill over the bar on the counter and Kaka flicked the ball round two Liverpool players on the sole of his boot before he was eventually stopped by Javier Mascherano. Pennant again was allowed to push forward and the ball eventually fell to Xabi Alonso's shot that whistled just wide of the far post. John Arne Riise blasted well over, but another Jankulovski error handed Liverpool a great chance with Kuyt's finish deflected off target. Gennaro Gattuso was the first player in the Final to enter the book for a sliding tackle on Alonso on 40 minutes. Alonso pushed Kaka on the edge of the area and from the resulting Pirlo free kick on the edge of the D took a crucial deflection off Inzaghi to beat Reina. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was furious, as he felt it was a handling offence, but the ball struck him between his shoulder and his chest. There was a pitch invasion from a local Greek supporter straight after the restart, who was dragged off the field by stewards. Kuyt and Kaka were both halted for incorrect offside positions and Jankulovski was shown the yellow card for a futile foul on Pennant. Inzaghi pounced on an Agger error inside the area, but hesitated and allowed the Liverpool man to recover. Mascherano was booked for going through the back of Pirlo and the first substitution saw Harry Kewell replace Zenden. Kaka sprinted past Carragher and the England international could do nothing but drag him back for a yellow card. Pirlo curled the free kick over the bar. Gattuso handed the ball straight to Gerrard and the captain ran towards the area, but the tame right-foot shot was into the arms of Dida. It was arguably Liverpool's best opportunity of the game so far. There was bad news for Carlo Ancelotti on 70 minutes when Alessandro Nesta pulled up with breathing difficulties, saying he felt sick, but the defender recovered and was able to carry on. Pirlo's pass struck the referee and fell kindly for Gerrard, but the shot was off target from 20 metres, then Gattuso won the ball back only for Kaka to be charged down. A corner came out for Clarence Seedorf and was deflected off Riise before Mascherano closed down Inzaghi with a crucial tackle. Liverpool's top scorer with six goals, Peter Crouch came on for Mascherano in the final 12 minutes, so Kakha Kaladze replaced the disappointing Jankulovski. There was a fantastic opportunity for Milan, but Inzaghi was surprised that Gerrard failed to get a touch on Kaka's cross, so it slipped past him. Carragher did very well to stop Kaka's run through the middle. However, Milan doubled their lead with eight minutes to go. Kaka threaded a perfect pass through for Inzaghi. He went round Reina and placed a delicate but remarkably precise angled drive under the goalkeeper from the tightest of angles. SuperPippo was in the stands in Istanbul due to injury, so this was a particularly special chance to avenge that day. Riise battled to hold off another Kaka run, but Dida did brilliantly to fingertip a Crouch long-range drive over the bar. Alberto Gilardino replaced brace hero Inzaghi and Arbeloa came on for Steve Finnan. Milan can never relax when it's a Champions League Final against Liverpool, as they got one back with less than two minutes left on the clock. A corner kick took several touches on the way to Kuyt's header at the back post for his first Champions League goal for the club. The referee added three minutes of stoppages and Giuseppe Favalli came on for Seedorf. The Dutchman joined Inzaghi in stalking up and down the sidelines shouting at his teammates. Gerrard's shot was charged down and Milan lifted the Champions League trophy!

AC Milan 2:1 Liverpool Milan: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski (Kaladze 79); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Favalli 91); Kaka; Inzaghi (Gilardino 87) Liverpool: Reina; Finnan (Arbeloa 87), Carragher, Agger, Riise; Pennant, Xabi Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch 78), Zenden (Kewell 59); Gerrard; Kuyt Goals: 1-0, Inzaghi, 45' 2-0, Inzaghi, 82' 2-1, Kuyt, 88' Ref: Fandel (Ger)

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!: CL Final: AC Milan 2:1 Liverpool - match report Scorers: Inzaghi 45, 80 (M), Kuyt 88 (L) Pippo Inzaghi's brace has given Milan revenge over Liverpool with a 2-1 Champions League triumph in Athens! These teams clashed in Istanbul in the 2005 Final with the Rossoneri throwing away a 3-0 lead to lose on penalties. Two years later they were back fighting for the trophy and Paolo Maldini recovered from a knee injury to play his eighth Final. Pippo Inzaghi was picked ahead of Alberto Gilardino to start upfront, while Liverpool opted for Dirk Kuyt with support from Steven Gerrard and Bolo Zenden. Both sides qualified for the tournament via the preliminary round, as Milan were originally excluded due to the Calciopoli trial, but battled their way to their third Final in five years. Jamie Carragher charged down an Inzaghi volley after five minutes, then Clarence Seedorf's first touch let him down from an overhit Marek Jankulovski cross. A terrible Jankulovski error on the edge of his own area gave Jermaine Pennant the ball, but Nelson Dida was at full stretch for a fingertip save. Pennant found more space down the right and luckily for Milan Gerrard scuffed his shot. At the other end Inzaghi sprung the offside trap on Andrea Pirlo's chipped pass over the defence, but couldn't get the ball under control with only Pepe Reina to beat. Reina got down well to smother a Kaka strike from distance and Daniel Agger escaped without a card for his cynical shoulder-charge on Kaka. Gerrard had too much space to drill over the bar on the counter and Kaka flicked the ball round two Liverpool players on the sole of his boot before he was eventually stopped by Javier Mascherano. Pennant again was allowed to push forward and the ball eventually fell to Xabi Alonso's shot that whistled just wide of the far post. John Arne Riise blasted well over, but another Jankulovski error handed Liverpool a great chance with Kuyt's finish deflected off target. Gennaro Gattuso was the first player in the Final to enter the book for a sliding tackle on Alonso on 40 minutes. Alonso pushed Kaka on the edge of the area and from the resulting Pirlo free kick on the edge of the D took a crucial deflection off Inzaghi to beat Reina. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was furious, as he felt it was a handling offence, but the ball struck him between his shoulder and his chest. There was a pitch invasion from a local Greek supporter straight after the restart, who was dragged off the field by stewards. Kuyt and Kaka were both halted for incorrect offside positions and Jankulovski was shown the yellow card for a futile foul on Pennant. Inzaghi pounced on an Agger error inside the area, but hesitated and allowed the Liverpool man to recover. Mascherano was booked for going through the back of Pirlo and the first substitution saw Harry Kewell replace Zenden. Kaka sprinted past Carragher and the England international could do nothing but drag him back for a yellow card. Pirlo curled the free kick over the bar. Gattuso handed the ball straight to Gerrard and the captain ran towards the area, but the tame right-foot shot was into the arms of Dida. It was arguably Liverpool's best opportunity of the game so far. There was bad news for Carlo Ancelotti on 70 minutes when Alessandro Nesta pulled up with breathing difficulties, saying he felt sick, but the defender recovered and was able to carry on. Pirlo's pass struck the referee and fell kindly for Gerrard, but the shot was off target from 20 metres, then Gattuso won the ball back only for Kaka to be charged down. A corner came out for Clarence Seedorf and was deflected off Riise before Mascherano closed down Inzaghi with a crucial tackle. Liverpool's top scorer with six goals, Peter Crouch came on for Mascherano in the final 12 minutes, so Kakha Kaladze replaced the disappointing Jankulovski. There was a fantastic opportunity for Milan, but Inzaghi was surprised that Gerrard failed to get a touch on Kaka's cross, so it slipped past him. Carragher did very well to stop Kaka's run through the middle. However, Milan doubled their lead with eight minutes to go. Kaka threaded a perfect pass through for Inzaghi. He went round Reina and placed a delicate but remarkably precise angled drive under the goalkeeper from the tightest of angles. SuperPippo was in the stands in Istanbul due to injury, so this was a particularly special chance to avenge that day. Riise battled to hold off another Kaka run, but Dida did brilliantly to fingertip a Crouch long-range drive over the bar. Alberto Gilardino replaced brace hero Inzaghi and Arbeloa came on for Steve Finnan. Milan can never relax when it's a Champions League Final against Liverpool, as they got one back with less than two minutes left on the clock. A corner kick took several touches on the way to Kuyt's header at the back post for his first Champions League goal for the club. The referee added three minutes of stoppages and Giuseppe Favalli came on for Seedorf. The Dutchman joined Inzaghi in stalking up and down the sidelines shouting at his teammates. Gerrard's shot was charged down and Milan lifted the Champions League trophy!

AC Milan 2:1 Liverpool Milan: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski (Kaladze 79); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Favalli 91); Kaka; Inzaghi (Gilardino 87) Liverpool: Reina; Finnan (Arbeloa 87), Carragher, Agger, Riise; Pennant, Xabi Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch 78), Zenden (Kewell 59); Gerrard; Kuyt Goals: 1-0, Inzaghi, 45' 2-0, Inzaghi, 82' 2-1, Kuyt, 88' Ref: Fandel (Ger)

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!: CL Final: AC Milan 2:1 Liverpool - match report Scorers: Inzaghi 45, 80 (M), Kuyt 88 (L) Pippo Inzaghi's brace has given Milan revenge over Liverpool with a 2-1 Champions League triumph in Athens! These teams clashed in Istanbul in the 2005 Final with the Rossoneri throwing away a 3-0 lead to lose on penalties. Two years later they were back fighting for the trophy and Paolo Maldini recovered from a knee injury to play his eighth Final. Pippo Inzaghi was picked ahead of Alberto Gilardino to start upfront, while Liverpool opted for Dirk Kuyt with support from Steven Gerrard and Bolo Zenden. Both sides qualified for the tournament via the preliminary round, as Milan were originally excluded due to the Calciopoli trial, but battled their way to their third Final in five years. Jamie Carragher charged down an Inzaghi volley after five minutes, then Clarence Seedorf's first touch let him down from an overhit Marek Jankulovski cross. A terrible Jankulovski error on the edge of his own area gave Jermaine Pennant the ball, but Nelson Dida was at full stretch for a fingertip save. Pennant found more space down the right and luckily for Milan Gerrard scuffed his shot. At the other end Inzaghi sprung the offside trap on Andrea Pirlo's chipped pass over the defence, but couldn't get the ball under control with only Pepe Reina to beat. Reina got down well to smother a Kaka strike from distance and Daniel Agger escaped without a card for his cynical shoulder-charge on Kaka. Gerrard had too much space to drill over the bar on the counter and Kaka flicked the ball round two Liverpool players on the sole of his boot before he was eventually stopped by Javier Mascherano. Pennant again was allowed to push forward and the ball eventually fell to Xabi Alonso's shot that whistled just wide of the far post. John Arne Riise blasted well over, but another Jankulovski error handed Liverpool a great chance with Kuyt's finish deflected off target. Gennaro Gattuso was the first player in the Final to enter the book for a sliding tackle on Alonso on 40 minutes. Alonso pushed Kaka on the edge of the area and from the resulting Pirlo free kick on the edge of the D took a crucial deflection off Inzaghi to beat Reina. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was furious, as he felt it was a handling offence, but the ball struck him between his shoulder and his chest. There was a pitch invasion from a local Greek supporter straight after the restart, who was dragged off the field by stewards. Kuyt and Kaka were both halted for incorrect offside positions and Jankulovski was shown the yellow card for a futile foul on Pennant. Inzaghi pounced on an Agger error inside the area, but hesitated and allowed the Liverpool man to recover. Mascherano was booked for going through the back of Pirlo and the first substitution saw Harry Kewell replace Zenden. Kaka sprinted past Carragher and the England international could do nothing but drag him back for a yellow card. Pirlo curled the free kick over the bar. Gattuso handed the ball straight to Gerrard and the captain ran towards the area, but the tame right-foot shot was into the arms of Dida. It was arguably Liverpool's best opportunity of the game so far. There was bad news for Carlo Ancelotti on 70 minutes when Alessandro Nesta pulled up with breathing difficulties, saying he felt sick, but the defender recovered and was able to carry on. Pirlo's pass struck the referee and fell kindly for Gerrard, but the shot was off target from 20 metres, then Gattuso won the ball back only for Kaka to be charged down. A corner came out for Clarence Seedorf and was deflected off Riise before Mascherano closed down Inzaghi with a crucial tackle. Liverpool's top scorer with six goals, Peter Crouch came on for Mascherano in the final 12 minutes, so Kakha Kaladze replaced the disappointing Jankulovski. There was a fantastic opportunity for Milan, but Inzaghi was surprised that Gerrard failed to get a touch on Kaka's cross, so it slipped past him. Carragher did very well to stop Kaka's run through the middle. However, Milan doubled their lead with eight minutes to go. Kaka threaded a perfect pass through for Inzaghi. He went round Reina and placed a delicate but remarkably precise angled drive under the goalkeeper from the tightest of angles. SuperPippo was in the stands in Istanbul due to injury, so this was a particularly special chance to avenge that day. Riise battled to hold off another Kaka run, but Dida did brilliantly to fingertip a Crouch long-range drive over the bar. Alberto Gilardino replaced brace hero Inzaghi and Arbeloa came on for Steve Finnan. Milan can never relax when it's a Champions League Final against Liverpool, as they got one back with less than two minutes left on the clock. A corner kick took several touches on the way to Kuyt's header at the back post for his first Champions League goal for the club. The referee added three minutes of stoppages and Giuseppe Favalli came on for Seedorf. The Dutchman joined Inzaghi in stalking up and down the sidelines shouting at his teammates. Gerrard's shot was charged down and Milan lifted the Champions League trophy!

AC Milan 2:1 Liverpool Milan: Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski (Kaladze 79); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Favalli 91); Kaka; Inzaghi (Gilardino 87) Liverpool: Reina; Finnan (Arbeloa 87), Carragher, Agger, Riise; Pennant, Xabi Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch 78), Zenden (Kewell 59); Gerrard; Kuyt Goals: 1-0, Inzaghi, 45' 2-0, Inzaghi, 82' 2-1, Kuyt, 88' Ref: Fandel (Ger)

Press views on Roberto Carlos "The best left back of the decade is leaving us" The undying bond between Roberto Carlos and Real Madrid fans is well known. The left back also has a special relationship with the journalists that cover the Club, and they organised a farewell luncheon for the Brazilian today. They all shared their views on the player and coincided in one thing: he is the best left back in football history and one of the best people to have played for Real Madrid. Admiration, respect, fondness... These feelings were present in the farewell luncheon given by the media in honour of Roberto Carlos. They've shared with the player many training sessions, trips, matches, and many other unforgettable moments. Their last encounter with the player was on Sunday in the game against Recreativo Huelva, in which the Brazilian scored his team's goal of victory, keeping them in the lead of the League table. Roberto Carlos has been one of the Spanish media's favourite players since he arrived at the Club. Today, he received a plaque from the journalists, all of which wanted to share some words on the left back after the luncheon. The press has always highlited Roberto's smile more than anything else, as he has always smiles through good, bad and sad times, such as today's farewell. "I want to thank all the journalists for this. No one has ever said such beautiful things to me. I will always cherish meeting some truly wonderful people. My heart stays here, but I'll be back. Madrid is my home. I want to thank all of you for making this day so special." Susana Guasch (La Sexta) "He is the best left back in football history. It will be hard to come accross a player with his characteristics; strength, speed and an incredible left leg that has brought joy to Real Madrid many times in the past ten years. The last time was in Huelva on Sunday, with a goal that could win the League for the Club." Seiko (Spriket) "He's done a great job for eleven years and we want to thank him for his warmth with the media. I am good friends with him and I will never forget him. He will leave a gap in the heart Madridismo." Carlos Rodríguez (Onda Madrid) "I will cry the day he leaves. I consider him to be one of the five most important players in the history of Real Madrid, not only because he is the foreign player to have played the most games, but for being a good footballer, fact proved by all the titles he's won. I think his humility and his selflessness are what makes him different from the rest." Roberto Morales (Agencia EFE) "We are saying good bye to the best left back the decade has seen. He is a true Madridista and he will always be acknowledged by the Club. Few players have done as much as he has for this team." Cristina Castañer (Canal Plus) "Roberto is a great football player, but above anything else, he is a good person. I hope life still smiles at him, like he always does." Raquel Criado (Telemadrid) "I was at Barajas Airport the day Roberto landed in Madrid and I am now here to bid him farewell. He is a great person. He's become a legend in Spanish football because no one runs down the left wing like he does." Alfonso Celemín (TVE) "Roberto Carlos is the foreign player to have played the most games at Real Madrid, even more than Di Stéfano, and that says it all. He is magnificent down the left wing." Ramón Fuentes (Telecinco) "I love him for what he is and how he is. I hope he never changes. He will never leave us. He leaves his mark wherever he goes." Antonio Romero (Cadena SER) "Vanity is now young players' greatest quality, even when they haven't won anything or showcased great football. They should go to a newspaper library and read about what Roberto has done to learn what a truly great player is really like, to learn what it is to be a great, humble player." Javier Herranz (Onda Cero) "It's easy to talk about Roberto Carlos; all you have to say is he's the best left back there is and will ever be in football. The best thing about him is that he is still as good when he leaves than when he arrives in the first place. He's proved that both at Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. He's been the best on and off the pitch, mainly because he is a great human being." Cristina Montaña (Onda 6) "I've spent little time with him, but it has been enough to make me remember him always." Miguel Ángel Muñoz (Cadena COPE) "I would have liked to congratulate him for winning the Ballon d'Or because, as we all know, he's always deserved to win it. He's truly earned it. I want to thank him for ten years of excellent behaviour both on and off the pitch. He sets an example with his good manners, joy and respect for others." Blanca Benavent (La Razón) "Roberto's carisma and warmth has made him one of the most appealing things at Real Madrid these last 12 years. It will be difficult to find someone like him again." Ulises Sánchez Flor (Marca) "He's been a colleague. He deserves the best and he will be successful wherever he goes. We will always remeber his generosity and joy. Madridismo will miss him. We just want to say, 'see you soon'." Paco Navacerrada (Real Madrid press manager) "He's been one of the best players in the world these past twelve years. It's been wonderful for me to share goals, titles and even bad times with him. It fills me with pride. We can boast of having been at his side and seen him donne this shirt." Miguel Ángel Díaz (Radio Marca) "Roberto never stops smiling and giving out good vibes. He is also a great football player. What esle can someone want?" Óscar de Castro (Real Madrid TV) "Many have said that he's a player who has never made an effort for the Club, but yet has earned many distinctions. Maybe he's got powerful friends... Not really! He's won all this because he's the best left back in football history. He is also the best person there is. The only award he lacks is the Ballon d'Or... Those who rule on the winner maybe don't know much about football...

Eleven years in White "I'm very happy and especially thankful because these have been wonderful years" Roberto Carlos and the press broke bread today on the occasion of the Brazilian star's farewell at season's end. It has been over a decade running up and down the left flank of Real Madrid. Many, many years and kilometres proving his tremendous quality, exquisite technique, and physical prowess... but above all what will linger is the attachment and love many professionals have worked up for Roberto Carlos. Real Madrid's number '3' will be playing his last game donning the White jersey at the Santiago Bernabéu on 17 June. It has been a total of eleven seasons, making him the foreign footballer with most games played in the Spanish League, earning him the recognition and appreciation of all the journalists who inform on Real Madrid's day-to-day. At 34, Roberto Carlos has decided to put an end to his time at Real Madrid. On 17 June, when the referee blows the final whistle, the Brazilian will say goodbye to a fan base that has supported, adored, and admired him. Five Leagues, three Spanish Super Cups, three Champions League Cups, one European Super Cup, two Intercontinental Cups, one European Player of the Year runner-up and one FIFA World Player runner-up distinctions is the honour record tallied up by the Brazilian as a Madridista. The left wingback only has words of gratitude: “First of all, I want to thank you for these wonderful eleven years. All I have is great memories. I have made true friends here. Even though I am leaving, I will come back to Madrid often to be with you and enjoy the games and successes of Real Madrid.” The press had many gifts for Roberto Carlos. One of them was a kimono signed by all the journalists who attended the luncheon. The most emotional moment of the event was when the audiovisual press gave the fullback a special video showcasing the best moments of Roberto Carlos at Real Madrid. The defender was visibly moved. “I would have liked to finish my career here because everything I have lived through has been good, but I still have another two years of top-level football and I will try to win more titles. I repeat, it's been many unbelievable years surrounded by people who have given me much. I am very happy and thankful for this,” said Roberto Carlos as he addressed the press. Four years into his thirties, Roberto Carlos feels that he still has a number of good footballing years ahead of him, but maybe not enough to play two full seasons at top level. That is why he has decided to make way for the younger generations, the new pearls of Madridismo, stating, “I know Cicinho said that he didn't believe I would leave. He's my friend and he's stating what he would like, but I've made my mind up, like I did when I decided to quit the Brazilian national team. Players like Marcelo or Torres need opportunities. I only hope they have the same luck I had to win this many titles with Real Madrid.” The lunch witnessed a good number of toasts, but the focus was primarily on the future. Roberto Carlos wants to say goodbye to what has been his home for eleven years winning what would be his sixth League title. That is why, although it was a day to celebrate, he didn't want to forget that Real Madrid have an all-important clash against Deportivo Coruña, stating, “There's three games left and I want to bid farewell with a title. It's entirely up to us. If Barça are talking so much about us now, our good luck, etc., it's because they're worried. They are not leaders any more and we have the upper hand now. The team is very confident and we know we can put the cherry to this season by winning the League.” Roberto Carlos thanked the journalists for all these years of respect and affection. The defender will always be remembered by the Santiago Bernabéu faithful for his many personal values: an outgoing and cheerful personality, always very close to the fans, and his unrivalled sporting skills, which have turned him, without a doubt, into the best left wingback in the world.

Roberto Carlos: Cicinho wrong on Real Madrid talks tribalfooball.com - May 24, 2007 Roberto Carlos insists there's no going back on his decision to leave Real Madrid this summer. Teammate Cicinho claimed yesterday that his fellow Brazilian was in talks with Real officials about staying on next season. But Roberto Carlos said: "He is my friend and last night I spoke with him so that he does not say this sort of thing anymore. It is a decision that I have taken. Just as I did with the Brazilian Selecao, in which I left my place so that younger players could enter, I do so again for Real Madrid. "I've been here for twelve years in which I have won every title and Marcelo, (Miguel) Torres and Raul Bravo can now carry on the same road. "I leave my shirt with the No3 to another player and hope that he has the same luck that I have had. I am a little sad because I wanted to finish my career at Real Madrid, but has not been possible. I leave happy. I have two years left at the top level and will do my best try to continue winning titles."

Valladolid confirm interest in Real Madrid striker Higuain tribalfooball.com - May 24, 2007 Promoted Real Valladolid want to take Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain on-loan next season. Valladolid are planning talks with Real Madrid over several of their young players, with Argentine Higuain emerging as a top target. "If they decide to loan him, we believe we would be the right club for Higuain," said a Valladolid spokesman. "We plan talks with (Real sports director Pedja) Mijatovic about four to six of their top young players with a view to bringing them here next season."

You're welcome footballfan#7

Maldini senior backs AC Milan Cesare Maldini is confident that the strength of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will make the difference in tonight’s Champions League Final against Liverpool. Maldini, father of Rossoneri legend Paolo, captained Milan in their 2-1 victory over Benfica at Wembley in 1963 and he believes that his son will do the same this evening. “I am optimistic, as always,” said the former Italy Coach. “It doesn’t really matter who will score or who will be the Man of the Match. The only thing that counts is to win. “I hope that a host of Rossoneri players will shine. Milan reached the Final thanks to the quality and strength of their squad, not only because of a few individuals, and that can make the difference.” The match at the Spyro Louis Stadium will also see Coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez meet again after the 2005 Final saw the English giants triumph on penalties. “They are two very different tacticians,” continued Maldini senior. “Benitez is pragmatic and his methods are effective. Ancelotti has been decisive in the side’s fortunes, he is loyal and gives serenity to the entire dressing room. “Was there a key match for Milan in the run towards the Final? They have all been important,” noted Cesare. “However, I think that the games against Bayern Munich and Manchester United showed how strong the Rossoneri are.”