Aquilani Agent Plays Down Milan Interest

Alberto Aquilani agent says that there has been no approach from AC Milan for the midfielder, the Italian spent last season at Juventus after Liverpool sent the player out on loan.

The Turin side have yet to confirm if they will sign the 26-year-old on a permanent deal.

Milan who want the Scudetto last season will be looking to for a midfielder to replace Andrea Pirlo who left for Juventus at the end of the season, but there has been no indication that the San Siro giants will make a move for Aquilani.

The Italian’s agent Franco Zavaglia, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I can say that I am not aware of any interest from AC Milan.

"They are just rumours and we have had no contact with Milan.
"Juve have asked us for a few days to reflect and in the meantime, we are looking at the options in Italy and abroad.

"I don't think the problem has to do with the buy-out clause but rather that they (Juventus) are looking for someone whose characteristics are more defensive.

"We will see what happens.

"Whatever happens, Alberto is not left in the middle of the road as he still has three years left of his contract with Liverpool."

Gennaro Gattuso To Remain At AC Milan

AC Milan veteran Gennaro Gattuso has insisted that he intends to stay with the Italian giants, it was thought that the midfielder could head to Russia after interest was shown from Dagestan-based club Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 33-year-old has decided to remain at the San Siro club where he has been a player since 1999 after moving from Salernitana.

"I evaluated the offer," Gattuso told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It was an important offer but in the end, I believe it is better to be with the family at home.
"I have been 12 years at Milan and it's my home."

The Italian made 31 league appearances this season to help Milan clinch the Scudetto for the first time since 2004.

Xavi Hails Barcelona As The Greatest Team For 20 Years

Barcelona playmaker Xavi has insisted that the European Champions are the best team of the last 20 years and hailed Lionel Messi as the best player of all time.

"There have been some great teams in history, Pele's Brazil, (Johan) Cruyff's Ajax, (Arrigo) Sacchi's Milan but in the past 20 years this Barcelona team is the best," he told Bild.

On Messi, he added: "He is the best player of all time - better than Pele, Maradona or Cruyff. We have to protect him as he is crucial.

"Without him we would not be what we are."

Barcelona has swept away every team that have come up against this season, including the dismantling of Manchester United in the Champions League final.

Xavi, though, was critical of the approach adopted by Jose Mourinho's men throughout the season.
He said: "Madrid were the hardest opponents but not because they played football but because they wanted to destroy the game.

"I like Manchester United's approach a thousand times better. It would be interesting to see what would happen if Real did play."

Speculation prior to the Wembley showpiece suggested coach Pep Guardiola was on the verge of standing down but Xavi hopes the former Barcelona midfielder "stays forever".

He added: "He (Guardiola) is very intelligent, very enthusiastic and very 'Barcelona-ish'.

"He is a great coach and I hope he stays forever, if not as coach then as sporting director or president."

AC Milan Rule Out Fabregas Move

AC Milan has insisted that they are unlikely to make a offer for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas this summer as the Italian claim feel the Spaniard will be to expensive, after the departure of Andrea Pirlo to Juventus and doubt surrounding Gennaro Gattuso’s future it is thought that the Rossoneri will be searching for midfield replacments this summer.

"From here until 31st August, Milan will buy a player that will be a left midfielder," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"(Napoli  winger Marek) Hamsik and Fabregas can play in that role.

"We have never asked for Hamsik although we don't rule him out and as for Fabregas, he is too expensive."

Kaka Plays Down Prem Link

Brazilian playmaker Kaka has played down reports linking him to a Premier League move this summer and insists he is happy at Real Madrid, the Chelsea target was thought to been keen with linking up with the current Chelsea and former AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Kaka added, "I have a good relationship with Carlo but the truth is that I want to stay in Madrid, I want to play in Madrid and I want to live in Madrid."

Kaka has not firing on all cylinders after a difficult season at Real Madrid follow lengthy lay-off due to knee injuries and the midfielder is keen to prove his worth at the Bernabéu.

Speculation had been mounting after Kaka’s mother posted a tweet suggesting that she is moving to London this summer.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid and I want to play for Real Madrid," said Kaka.

"My mother is coming to live in London next year. She is a preacher and she is coming to talk about God.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid and I want to play for Real Madrid."

“But I have a challenge with Real Madrid. I don't want to think now about playing in the Premier League or going back to Italy.

"I want to get back in good shape and play for Real Madrid next season."

Harry Redknapp: Beckham Deal a "No Goer"

Spurs Manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that David Beckham’s proposed loan deal at White Hart Lane is a “no goer” although he expects the former England captain to train with his side for two months.

Last season when David Beckham went out on loan to Milan, he picked up an Achilles injury. The possible insurance issues has prevented Beckham from playing for Tottenham this time around.

I don't think it's going to happen," Redknapp said.

"I spoke with the chairman and I think there are big problems with insurance issues and everything. He got injured last year at Milan; I think there were issues there with insurance."

However Beckham is likely train with the team, in hope of keeping fit and available for selection for England.

"What's going to happen, David is welcome to come and train here for a month or so, which I think he would like to do and we're pleased to have him come and train".

Redknapp also added; "It will be nice to have him here training with us for a month and I think he'll be great to have around the place and he'll be a good influence on everybody and I look forward to him coming. But I think as far as playing goes it looks like it's a no-goer."

Speaking on the disappointment of not been able to have Beckham available to play, the Spurs boss said; "For sure. It would have been nice. It would have been good to have him here available to play for us. But it couldn't happen, so it's not a problem, you just get on with it."

Ronaldinho linked with Liverpool move

Ronaldinho heading to the Premiership?

Could Ronaldinho be heading to Liverpool, reports in Italy have suggested that the Brazilian could be heading to Anfield. Ronaldinho has failed to live up to expectation with AC Milan and could leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fellow countryman and Liverpool player Lucas Leiva says that the former World Player of the Year would be welcome with open arms at Anfield should he decide to join.

"I am not aware of anything in terms of Ronaldinho signing but I would be very happy if this was to happen," Lucas told Globoesporte.

"We started a friendship when we played in the Olympics and for Brazil. It would be nice to play with him at Liverpool.

"Everyone knows Ronaldinho and they know what he can do."

Robinho signs for AC Milan

Brazilian forward Robinho has joined AC Milan from Manchester City on a permanent deal, City loaned out Robinho to Santos last season after after failing to settle at the Eastlands. Robinho has now secured a permanent move to the San Siro.

A statement issued by the club said, "AC Milan announces it has acquired player Robinho on a permanent deal from Manchester City.

"The Brazilian player has signed a four-year contract with the Rossoneri club."

Earlier Robinho said, "I am very happy," he said. "Milan is an excellent club."