AC Milan News Update 3 June 2009

Kaka wants to stay

Milan star Kaka has told the club's fans he will not be leaving this summer despite rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants have courted the 27-year-old for a long time and their interest looks set to hot up this summer.

“I'll say for the last time and I mean the last time. I do not want to leave Milan,” Kaka told fans as he arrived at the local airport.

“I beg you, in this moment I would prefer to be silent because I don't want to be badly interpreted or, worse still, manipulated.”

The comments come just hours after Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani told reporters he expects a bid to arrive from Real.

“On the rumours that regard Kaka I repeat that he is still a Milan player. There is no doubt he is the object of desire of two important European clubs, just like Pato.

“This means that they view Milan well and we will look to resist the assault from European clubs that make more than us and have different tax rates,” Galliani concluded.

Kaka came very close to leaving Milan in January when Manchester City offered a world record fee of £107m for his services.

While the player did not want to leave, Milan were clearly tempted and gave City the all clear to finalise the deal.

It was only when Kaka made absolutely clear he had no intention of moving to City that Milan broke off negotiations.

Kaka has been in superb form this season despite nursing a troubling knee injury. He scored 16 goals in 28 starting appearances for the Rossoneri.

AC Milan News Update 3 June 2009

Ancelotti demands Pato

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is ready to raid his old club Milan and bid for Alexandre Pato, according to the Sun.

Ancelotti left the Rossoneri on Sunday to join Chelsea with whom he signed a lucrative three-year contract.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is believed to have given his new manager a huge transfer budget to spend this summer.

The Blues have been linked with Franck Ribery and David Villa, but Pato represents a tried and trusted purchase for the cautious Ancelotti.

The Sun report Chelsea have already offered £30m for the 19-year-old Brazil international, who just finished his first full season in Milan colours.

Pato scored 15 Serie A goals in 27 starting appearances for the Rossoneri, making him their second top scorer in the League this season.

He is widely regarded as one of football's top prospects after winning the Club World Cup with Internacional in 2006.

AC Milan News Update 3 June 2009

AC Milan laugh off Kaka reports

Adriano Galliani has laughed off reports he is already in Madrid to discuss Kaka’s sale to Real. “I’m on a beach in Italy!”

El Confidencial and As announced that Milan Vice-President Galliani and Kaka’s father were spotted in Madrid airport at 14.00 UK time today, arriving in a private jet.

They drove towards the Bernabeu and were set to hammer out the final details for a £70m move to the Merengues.

“Spain? I’m on a beach in Italy!” exclaimed Galliani when he was called by the Gazzetta dello Sport this evening.

“I’m at the seaside in Romagna. There are no negotiations with Real Madrid over Kaka.”

The speculation exploded after Paolo Maldini was quoted as saying he thought Kaka would quit the club.

However, the official Milan website has given a very different spin on the comments he made at a Press conference.

“It’s not easy to say what Kaka will do. I think he will remain at Milan, but if Carlo Ancelotti was hermetically sealed over his future, then Kaka is even more.”

Meanwhile, Milan have booked a friendly with Benfica in the Eusebio Cup, to be played at the Da Luz stadium in Lisbon on August 8.

AC Milan News Update 3 June 2009

Kotscho: Kaka will listen to Real

Conflicting comments abound, as Adriano Galliani is in Madrid after all and spokesman Diogo Kotscho confirms “Kaka will listen to Real.”

There is confusion surrounding stories Milan are about to seal a £70m move sending Kaka to Real Madrid.

“Kaka will listen to Real and decide whether or not to make the transfer,” explained his spokesman Diogo Kotscho.

“What I can say for certain is that the Spaniards and Milan have not reached any agreement.”

It would not be beyond the Rossoneri to part with their Ballon d’Or winner, as they were prepared to sell him to Manchester City for a world record £100m in January before the player turned it down.

“Real Madrid have made a notable offer, but it is inferior to that of Manchester City, who were offering more than 100m Euros,” added Kotscho.

There were reports that Milan Vice-President Galliani had flown to Madrid in a private jet today accompanied by Kaka’s father Bosco Leite.

At first he laughed off the claims and said he was at the seaside in Italy’s Romagna region, but less than an hour later he spoke to a different journalist and confirmed he was indeed in Madrid.

The reason, insisted Galliani, was to attend the festivities for Florentino Perez’s re-election as President of Real.

The pair are firm friends and Milan noted Galliani was one of the first world football directors given an invitation.

Naturally this is bound to boost reports they will discuss Kaka during the lavish party.

AC Milan News Update 2 June 2009

AC Milan unveil Leonardo

Milan have officially unveiled Leonardo as their new trainer just minutes after Chelsea announced the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti.

The decision to offer Leonardo the job was made public yesterday as Ancelotti revealed he had terminated his contract with Milan.

“A lot of affection links me to Milan otherwise I would not have accepted,” Leonardo explained. “It's an important adventure.

“It's a special day for me. I dreamed of becoming a footballer but not a trainer. A series of circumstances made me make this choice, which makes me happy.

“I have been here for 12 years. I believe it's a big thing to be starting again after Carlo, for the rapport we had together.

“Yesterday was an extraordinary day. The players cried because a friend left,” Leonardo revealed. “Carlo is a friend that showed me a lot of respect in accepting this challenge.

“To be here, having qualified for the Champions League with Carlo, who is happy, and me beginning… I am very happy.

“Now is the time to build, the basis is humility and the desire to work,” Leonardo said, before fielding questions on Kaka's future.

“I hope he continues with us, but it's normal that he interests a lot of great teams on the transfer market.”

AC Milan News Update 2 June 2009

OFFICIAL: LEONARDO IS NEW AC MILAN COACH!

Carlo Ancelotti has announced he is leaving Milan this summer "by mutual consent,” and is replaced by Leonardo.

“In agreement with the club we have decided to terminate the contract a year early from the 2010 expiry,” he said after the 2-0 victory at Fiorentina secured automatic entry into the Champions League.

“My wonderful experience with this side ends today. I thank all the players, directors, fans and everyone involved.

“I think it ends in the right way and is probably the right choice for both of us. The respect and affection remains with all the people who over the years participated in this adventure.”

The split has been on the cards for some time, but Ancelotti continued to insist he had not lied when he said he was “100 per cent” sure of staying.

“We spoke about it after the game with Vice-President Adriano Galliani and President Silvio Berlusconi. We decided together to make this decision without problems. We part in sync and with no disagreements.”

He is expected to join Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, especially after writing in his book about a meeting with Roman Abramovich.

“I cannot officialise my future because I do not have an agreement with any other club.”

President Berlusconi did not always support his Coach in public, but again Ancelotti refused to criticise the patron.

“I have great respect and love for President Berlusconi. We've had a few disagreements over the years, but this is the day to thank him for eight wonderful years of my career.

“He let me spend nearly a decade at the helm of a great club that was at the top of world football, so my gratitude goes beyond the odd phone call.

“The decisions were made at the end of this season. It was a complicated campaign and we left it two months ago with the agreement we'd make the decision after the final game. That's what we did.

“I hope you'll know what my future is soon. London is not necessarily the guaranteed next stop.”

Meanwhile, Milan have confirmed that current technical director Leonardo is the new Coach and will hold a Press conference on Monday afternoon.

AC Milan News Update 2 June 2009

AC Milan Coach

Newly installed Milan Coach Leonardo wants to strengthen his side with Emmanuel Adebayor and Michael Essien, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The 39-year-old former Brazil international yesterday replaced Carlo Ancelotti who announced he had agreed to terminate his contract with the Rossoneri.

Leonardo has followed the Fabio Capello route to the Milan bench, working for one of Silvio Berlusconi's companies before becoming a trainer.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Leonardo is prepared to overhaul the current squad both in terms of tactics and personnel.

His No 1 transfer target this summer is reportedly Adebayor, the 25-year-old Togo striker, who has flirted with Milan in recent weeks.

Adebayor famously compared Milan with Beyoncé Knowles, the R&B singer, to the disappointment of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Essien, the Chelsea midfielder, is also apparently on Milan's wanted list, although the prospect of him leaving Stamford Bridge is remote.

If they do join the Rossoneri this summer, they are likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation, which La Gazzetta dello Sport believe to be Leonardo's preferred style of play.

Milan News Update 1 June 2009

Carlo Ancelotti Confirmed As New Chelsea Manager

The west London outfit have made an official announcement that the former AC Milan boss will succeed Guus Hiddink on a permanent basis.

1 Jun 2009 10:05:10

Following AC Milan's announcement that they have relieved Carlo Ancelotti of his managerial responsibilities at the Serie A heavyweight outfit, Chelsea Football Club have made an official declaration that the Italian will occupy the Stamford Bridge hotseat on a permanent basis.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed, "Chelsea is delighted to announce that Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to become our new manager."

Regarding details of the Reggiolo-born 49-year-old's contract, the statement continued by indicating that, "He has signed a three year contract and will start on July 1 2009."

Ancelotti was the stand-out candidate for the role, and the Blues were particularly interested in the manager's success in Europe.

Ancelotti, who won two European Cups during his playing days as a midfielder, also claimed two Champions League trophies with Milan as a club boss, together with one Scudetto.

"Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job," the statement added. "He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions.

"He also had a highly successful playing career in those competitions and therefore brings unparalleled all round experience to the job.

"We are sure everybody at Chelsea will give him a warm welcome and we are all looking forward to working with him," it concluded.

Ancelotti has long made his admiration for Milan attacker Kaka public knowledge, and that he would relish working with the Brazilian if either of them were to ever leave the San Siro.

With Kaka on the shopping list of Florentino Perez, it was speculated that Real Madrid may also have an outside shot at bringing Ancelotti to the Santiago Bernabeu, but now that he has already been photographed in a Blue shirt, there could be an interesting tug-of-war for the 2007 Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year winner.

Milan News Update 1 June 2009

Paolo Maldini Waves Goodbye To Football As Milan Beat Fiorentina

Paolo Maldini played his final professional game of an unrivalled 25-year career, and it was a happy ending as Milan beat Fiorentina 2-0 at the Stadio Franchi to secure third place.

1 June 2009 16:04:58

All the talk in the build-up to this game was over Paolo Maldini, who was playing the final match of his legendary one-club career. However, there was still a lot to play for, as Fiorentina could snatch the third automatic Champions League position by beating the Rossoneri by two clear goals.

It was also rumoured that this could also be the last match of Carlo Ancelotti's Milan career, with the coach possibly set to take over at Chelsea. Ancelotti was without the injured Borriello, Bonera, Kaladze, Abbiati, Cardacio and Viudez, while Ambrosini was suspended. Alessandro Nesta made the bench, having not played at all this season.

Fiorentina were minus the injured Santana, Mutu, Bonazzoli, and Almiron, as well as the suspended Felipe Melo and Dainelli.

First Half

Milan threatened first as Marek Jankulovski twice went close to opening the scoring with efforts from the edge of the area.

Yet Fiorentina created the first golden chance on nine minutes, as Franco Semioli headed wide unmarked from eight yards following Manuel Pasqual's cross.

It was an open and entertaining game, but Milan were characteristically looking suspect on crosses. Alessandro Gamberini headed straight at Dida, while Alberto Gilardino nodded wide from a good position.

Mathieu Flamini was back in his favoured midfield position, and he was desperately close to breaking the deadlock on 24 minutes as his thunderous 30-yard drive crashed off the bar.

Sebastien Frey beat away a Gianluca Zambrotta effort, while down the end the referee waved away penalty appeals during a coming together between Gilardino and Giuseppe Favalli.

Second Half

Fiorentina started the second half strongly, and Gilardino perhaps should have scored as he stabbed just wide from 12 yards.

Kaka wasted a good opening on 51 minutes with Inzaghi completely free in the middle.

However, shortly after Milan were ahead thanks to Kaka. Zambrotta's cross from the right was cut out by Gamberini but right into the path of Kaka, who buried his finish.

It could have been 2-0 just past the hour mark as Inzaghi wriggled past three defenders but fired over with just Frey to beat.

Alexandre Pato replaced Inzaghi, and squandered a fine opportunity himself, scuffing wide on Beckham's cut-back.

Seconds later Pato made no mistake, as he raced through on Kaka's through-pass, and delicately lifted the ball over the diving Frey.

Alessandro Nesta made his long awaited return after a year out of the game, replacing Favalli for his first appearance of the season.

In injury time, Paolo Maldini was substituted, and the whole stadium came to a standstill to salute the retiring hero. Each and every player from the two teams applauded, hugged and embraced the 40-year-old, while the crowd offered a standing ovation as he ended an unrivalled 25-year career.

Milan secured third place, but this day was Paolo Maldini's.

Goodbye Paolo!

Milan News update 31 May 2009

Calcio Debate: Top 5 Paolo Maldini Games For Italy

With Paolo Maldini retiring from football this afternoon, Goal.com re-publishes an article from February looking at the legend's top five games in an Italy shirt...

31 May 2009 11:18:16

1) Italy v Spain – Euro ’88 Group Stage (14 June 1988, Frankfurt)

Paolo Maldini truly announced himself on the world stage during the 1988 European Championships in West Germany. Still a teenager, and having made his international debut only in March of that year, Maldini was one of the stars of the tournament as a young Italy team reached the semi-finals. In this second group game against Spain, the 19-year-old marked Real Madrid legend Michel, one of Europe’s most feared stars, completely out of the game. This proved just what a wonderkid Maldini was, and Italy would go on to win 1-0 thanks to Gianluca Vialli’s late goal.




2) Brazil v Italy – USA ’94 Final (17 July 1994, Pasadena)

Although Italy would lose on penalties, following a goalless draw and an iconic Roberto Baggio miss from 12 yards, this game will always be memorable to Maldini for other reasons. Brazilian forwards Romario and Bebeto, particularly the former, had been tearing up defences all World Cup, but they were tamed by Maldini and his equally legendary Milan colleague Franco Baresi, who had miraculously returned from injury to make the clash. This was the first time there had ever been a clean sheet World Cup Final, and Maldini played a huge role in this.




3) England v Italy – World Cup ’98 Qualifier – (12 February 1997, London)

Paolo’s father Cesare took charge of his first competitive game as coach, and duly led Italy to one of their finest victories on foreign soil, 24 years after Fabio Capello had earned the Azzurri their maiden win at Wembley back in 1973. Gianfranco Zola scored the only goal of the game within the first 20 minutes and, from then on in, the Italian defence suffocated the English strikeforce, which included Euro ’96 top scorer Alan Shearer. This qualifier was also Fabio Cannavaro’s first ever competitive game for his country. The Azzurri backline that day was terrifyingly formidable:

Ciro Ferrara- Alessandro Costacurta- Fabio Cannavaro- Paolo Maldini




4) Holland v Italy – Euro 2000 Semi Final (29 June 2000, Amsterdam)

One of the most famous-ever Italian defensive displays, as La Nazionale somehow eliminated the co-hosts on penalties, despite playing with 10 men for almost 90 minutes after Gianluca Zambrotta’s 34th minute dismissal. Maldini, along with the impenetrable Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, and Francesco Toldo, who saved one penalty and saw another hit the post in normal time, soaked up wave after wave of Orange attacks. Toldo would deny the Dutch twice more in the shootout as Italy triumphed 3-1 in one of the most gripping clashes in Euros history.




5) Italy v Romania – World Cup 2002 Qualifier (7 October 2000, Milan)

Maldini wins his 113th cap for Italy, and in the process overtakes 1982 World Cup-winning captain Dino Zoff as the most capped player in the history of the Azzurri. Before the match, Maldini was presented with a special trophy, and greeted by Giovanni Trapattoni, father Cesare Maldini, ex-Milan mentor Arrigo Sacchi, and Zoff himself. It proved to be a perfect celebration for the then 32-year-old as the Azzurri romped to a 3-0 win – Pippo Inzaghi, Marco Delvecchio and Francesco Totti grabbing the goals.

Hot News

Paolo Maldini:I Won't Go Back On Retirement Decision

Maldini insists there will be no changes to his retirement plans...

Milan legend Paolo Maldini has revealed he will not go back on his decision to retire at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old has played in the Rossoneri jersey for his entire career and has recently confirmed his retirement. Unlike last season though, there will be no repeat of a decision change from the Italian stopper.

"Will I change my mind? No. I have already made my decision and it was taken in a serene manner. I will certainly not go back on my decision," Maldini told Milan Channel.

The Rossoneri have been struggling this term. They crashed out of the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup, and they have blown hot and cold in Serie A. Maldini believes a spate of injuries have taken their toll.

"Injuries have struck out fundamental players, and therefore it has been a difficult season for us. We always get injuries. The latest was to [David] Beckham. We hope it's not serious," added the stopper.

Whilst on Beckham, Maldini hailed the arrival of the great midfielder after he managed to secure an extension to his current deal.

"Beckham has been doing brilliantly even if he had to adapt, which isn't always easy," continued the legend.

"He has the right spirit and he is a player who always gives his maximum."

News from Seedorf

Milan Star Seedorf: I've Played Too Much This Season
The former Real Madrid man seems to be looking forward to a vacation...

Clarence Seedorf, like the AC Milan squad as a whole, has had an inconsistent year and the player believes it is because of the intense workload that he has had to thus far endure."I've played alot," he bluntly told Calciomercato.Indeed, the Dutchman has had to cover for the injury-enforced absences of Ronaldinho and Kaka on many occasions during the 2008-09 campaign, having also encountered the disappointment of a shock exit from the UEFA Cup and falling 12 points behind league-leaders and city rivals Inter in the title race."[I've] suffered fatigue and stress from a long winter. I am recuperating, but I do not know if I will play against Siena," he added.The 32-year-old joined the club in 2002. The midfielder has made 31 appearances for the Rossoneri this season, finding the back of the net four times.

Hot News Update 15/02/2009

Ruud Gullit Doubts David Beckham Will Return To LA Galaxy

The Dutch legend sees little value in the iconic England midfielder returning to the MLS.

Former Los Angeles Galaxy manager Ruud Gullit has admitted that should David Beckham return to the club from AC Milan, it could be of little benefit to either party.

The England international has admitted he would like to remain in Milan when his loan deal ends next month, but negotiations between the clubs over a potential transfer appear to have stalled.

Speaking to BBC Five Live’s 'Sportsweek' programme, the Dutchman warned that forcing Beckham to return, against his will, could cause problems.

"From a player's point of view, everyone can understand why he wants to stay at Milan," said Gullit.

"Every player wants to stay at the highest level, every player wants that.

"But knowing that you [Galaxy] as a club would have a player who would be very disappointed that he was not allowed to stay at Milan, how do they think he will react?

"How would his colleagues react to him if he did come back?"

Gullit also added that he felt Beckham had failed to produce his top form during his spell in America and wondered if he would be able to replicate his recent good displays for Milan should he be forced back to the States.

"In the US he has not played really, really well. Certainly not the level he has played at Milan," he added.

"So therefore we have to see if he is going to play with the same strength and determination that he showed at Milan. That will be interesting to see."

Hot news update 15/02/2009

David Beckham LIVE! Latest David Beckham Transfer News As It Happens

Enter David Beckham LIVE - your chance to keep up with all the latest news and views on this transfer saga as it happens. We've also provided a chronology of events building up to the possible move.

Below you will find timestamped news, updated as soon as it becomes available on our site.

So, simply scroll down and find out what's happening with Beckham!

Sunday 15 February

05:03 Milan reportedly have kept the Beckham deal alive by offering the veteran midfielder an 18-month contract.

Saturday 14 February

13:35 Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is not fazed by all the hype coming from Los Angeles regarding David Beckham. The chief has spoken, and he is confident of keeping the Englishman by doing the deal his way.

01:59 The possible agreement to send Galaxy midfielder David Beckham to AC Milan on a permanent basis could be well and truly dead after the Italian club failed to meet Major League Soccer's Friday deadline with an acceptable offer.

00:43: At morning practice, the Los Angeles Galaxy players have offered their views on the David Beckham transfer saga.

00:42: Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena and assistant coach Cobi Jones both spoke today on the possible move of midfielder David Beckham to Milan.

Friday 13 February

10:12: Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has re-opened the door for David Beckham to stay at Milan after revealing that the Americans will consider any forthcoming offers from the Italian giants.

06:50: According to The Sun, the British tabloid, AC Milan will table a new €11.6 million bid for Los Angeles Galaxy loan-star David Beckham.

Hot news update 15/02/2009

Reports: Milan Defender Alessandro Nesta’s Career In Jeopardy

The Diavoli central defender has suffered another set-back and there are fears that not even surgery will allow him to return to action.

There were reports at the start of the week that Alessandro Nesta was on the road to recovery and it was suggested that he could sensationally pull on a starting shirt in tonight’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter.

However, he suffered a muscular problem on Friday and it is now feared he will have to go under the knife to try and address his disc protrusion issue once and for all.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports this morning that the 32-year-old will undergo further tests next week, but it is highly unlikely he will be able to feature this term and some sources suggest that his footballing career is at risk.

Nesta has been dealing with this problem for years, but he has always turned down the possibility of an operation, because it is widely known that this kind of procedure could put an end to a footballer’s career.

The ex-Lazio stopper has yet to make a single official appearance so far this season and only featured in a friendly in Albania last October.

Hot news update 15/02/2009

David Beckham: How I Decided To Stay At Milan

The Rossoneri are still hopeful of signing Becks permanently and the England international has revealed how he realised they were the right club for him.

David Beckham joined Milan last month on a loan deal from Los Angeles Galaxy, but negotiations to turn it into a permanent move have seemingly hit a brick wall in recent days, as the MLS side have insisted they expect him back on March 9.

However, the Diavoli have not given up hope of sealing a deal and Becks has further explained his decision to continue his Serie A adventure.

“I can assure you that when I agreed the loan deal, I did not think about staying beyond March 9,” La Gazzetta dello Sport quotes him as saying.

“But after a week and having played my first game, I understood that I needed to continue playing at the highest level.

“I did not snub Milan in 2007, their offer was just a little late. I do not regret my choices, though. I didn’t win anything with the Galaxy, but it was a nice experience. I don’t know whether I left my mark on American football, but the MLS sure has a great future.”

Milan face local rivals Inter in tonight’s Derby della Madonnina and will have a golden opportunity to close the gap on the leaders to five points.

“I am lucky, because after the Manchester and Madrid derbies, I will now play this one,” Beckham noted.

“I expect a heated atmosphere, Inter will be the hosts this time around, but I cannot wait for it to start.”

Hot News Update 14/02/2009

Paolo Maldini: Sunday's Milan Derby Will Be My Last

Sunday's derby will be remembered for many reasons, none more so that for being Maldini's last...

Milan legend Paolo Maldini has sensationally revealed that this weekend's Derby della Madonina will be his last. The defender was virtually admitting that he will finally hang up his boots at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old will turn out for Milan this Sunday in what will be an emotional night for 'Il Capitano'. The game will also represent a chance to make up for lost ground on league leaders and bitter rivals Inter.

Maldini is proud to have played in so many derbies over the years and he still harbours hope of lifting the Scudetto at the end of term.

"It will be my last derby on Sunday," Maldini told Il Corriere Della Sera.

"With the return fixture list, every game against every team will be my last. It does make me feel proud.

"My dream is to win my final derby and this is the only thing that matters to me. A win will help us [Milan] rekindle our hopes to win the Scudetto."

Maldini has played over 50 derbies for the Rossoneri during his career and he holds the all-time appearance record in the fixture.

The legend will be hoping his last derby ends with something to celebrate as his side continue to fight for honours this term.

Hot News Update 14/02/2009

LA Galaxy: David Beckham To Stay In US

Barring a last-minute change of heart, the Los Angeles Galaxy will hold midfielder David Beckham to his contract, since according to team owners, AC Milan did not make an acceptable offer for the player.

The possible agreement to send Galaxy midfielder David Beckham to AC Milan on a permanent basis seems to be well and truly dead after the Italian club failed to meet Major League Soccer's Friday deadline with an acceptable offer.

Anchutz Entertainment Group (the owners of the Los Angeles Galaxy) president Tim Leiweke sounded in no mood to compromise in statements he made to the Los Angeles Times.

"He will be back here on March 9 and we don't want to entertain any more conversations now," Leiweke said. "It is a distraction to [Galaxy Coach] Bruce Arena, the team and the fans and we move on. That's the last we're going to talk about this."

AC Milan could possibly not have taken the deadline seriously. Leiweke, though, was adamant that the time for negotiations had passed.

"They'll come back. Sure they will. But we owe it to our fans [not to consider it]. They've been reading all these stories and we lose credibility by the day. That's not fair. We owe it to Bruce and we owe it to the rest of the team.

"We're a month away from our season."

According to the executive, AC Milan had never offered what Beckham was worth to the Galaxy or to the league as a whole.

"They've never been in the ballpark," Leiweke told the Times of Milan meeting asking price of more than $10 million.

Leiweke seemed to feel that the Galaxy, MLS, and even Beckham had been treated poorly by the Italian club.

"What they've tried to do is use David and use us. We're not going to play that game any more. This has been extremely damaging and distracting for our team.

"I've been as courteous and as gracious as I possibly can out of respect for David, but now it's time to move on. We need to get David excited about the team we're building here and coming back."

Though it's possible that Beckham could try to meet the transfer price out of his own pocket from his considerable fortune, Leiweke seemed to view such a move as unlikely.

"I doubt it," Leiweke said. "Nor would I encourage him to even think about that."

Beckham is due to rejoin the Galaxy on March 9.

Hot News Update 14/02/2009

Milan's Nesta Suffers New Injury Blow - Report

Milan defender Alessandro Nesta's season seems doomed as he suffered another problem to his back just when it seemed he would be ready to take place on the bench again.

According to reports by SkySport24, there is more bad news for Milan fans surrounding Alessandro Nesta. The defender's back has been giving him problems again, so much so that this morning he was reportedly unable to get out of bed.

Although the player and Milan's medical staff want to remain optimistic, considering the progress he was making on his long-lasting back problems, following his rehabilitation period in the United States, this latest setback is a major blow.

The most likely option now for the player is a surgical operation, but in that case his playing career might be in jeopardy. The next few days will be very difficult for Nesta and the medical staff, as they will have to evaluate the situation carefully and find the best solution to resolve the problem, without trying to find the quickest and easiest outcome.

So far the defender has failed to make a single official appearance for Milan this season. It was expected he could come on the bench for this weekend's derby against Inter.

Hot News Update 14/02/2009

Gattuso Looks Back On Milan Career

Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso talked about the knee injury he suffered recently and looked back on his career.

Milan midfield warrior Gennaro Gattuso is currently out injured, and will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Today, the 31-year-old talked to Sky about his career with the Rossoneri leading up to his recent injury, the first serious one of his career.

"At first, when I arrived at Milanello it wasn't easy to see all those photos and those trophies," he admitted. "The first few years when we didn't win anything, I almost thought it was my fault."

Gattuso admitted his biggest joy was winning the Champions League in 2003 against Juventus.

"It was an incredible joy to win the Champions League against Juventus, I felt indescribable feelings. I had always dreamed of winning it, so it was a liberation," 'Ringhio' commented.

"However, after the Istanbul final [against Liverpool in 2005] I felt very responsible for that defeat because I felt I didn't play well in that final. I thought maybe it was right to change environment."

In the 2006-07 season Milan won the Champions League again, and subsequently also lifted the European Supercup and the Club World Cup.

Asked if he thought that was his best season ever, Gattuso said: "I don't know if that was the best season. The first five months we did not play well and we always struggled. Then, after the Malta training camp, we started playing incredibly well.

"Perhaps the best years were when we won the Champions League in 2003 and 2004, when we lost at Deportivo La Coruña. In those years we went around in Europe and won against everyone."

Coming back on his injury, he said: "After the match against Catania I said, 'Today God watched over me, today I risked shattering my knee.' Instead it was already broken and I didn't even notice.

"During the game I felt some pain but not the way I felt it afterwards. However, I've had to wait 31 years for my first serious injury, so to even out everything that football has given me, I would have to break something 10 times."