POSITIVE SENSATIONS

At the end of the first training session in Yokohama, 2007 Golden Ball winner Kaká talked about his first sensations in the Asian continent. - THE DECLARATIONS OF KAKÁ -

YOKOHAMA - Here are the declarations made by Kaká at the end of today's training session at the sporting center of Yokohama Marinos:

Ricky, how did the trip go?
"It went well, the first few hours we had fun, then we talked a little and the majority of the players slept and we rested."

Are you suffering from the jetlag?
"Not really, I'm used to it as I often travel to Brazil, only in that case the time goes backward. The important thing is that your whole body gradually gets used to it. Now we will follow the instructions to decide when it's most appropriate to eat and sleep."

What were your sensations during this first training session?
"Positive sensations. I was happy to see Emerson train with the group, I'm not sure how well he is doing, but it's always good to see a team mate recovering. I'm sorry Ronie and Sergio did not take part in today's training, but I hope to see them back with us soon."

Kaka: Milan Are Not A One-Man Team

Midfield maestro Kaka has hit out at those who say that Milan are a one-man team, and says the club’s success is down to everyone.

The Brazilian is undoubtedly the Rossoneri’s star man and on Sunday he was crowned as the 2007 winner of the Ballon d’Or.

Some sources have suggested that Milan wouldn’t be in Japan competing for the FIFA Club World Cup if they didn’t have Kaka in the team.

“Did I bring Milan here? No, it was an equal exchange,” the 25-year-old maintained.

“I did my best, but Milan isn’t just Kaka - it’s a team.

"We always play to win and I’m going to this competition looking to win it all.”

Milan are set to play Japanese J-League side Urawa Reds in the semi-final in Yokohama, before a probable final contest against Copa Libertadores winners Boca Juniors.

The Argentine-giants beat Milan on penalties in the final in 2003 and Kaka is looking for revenge.

“I want to play Boca,” he stressed. “Mostly because we lost to them four years ago and also because the tradition of this tournament is that a European side meets a South American one in the Final.

“Three years ago I never thought I’d be here again with the Ballon d’Or on the mantelpiece. Today I am really satisfied with everything that we have achieved.”

Kaka Happily Acclimatising In Japan

Brazilian superstar Kaka says he is settling in well in Japan after the arrival of the Milan team today.

The Rossoneri touched down at Tokyo International Airport at 5.12 pm local time, and Kaka was mobbed by a mass of Japanese fans as soon as he got off the plane.

Milan held their first training session in Yokohama ahead of next Thursday's probable semi-final against J-League outfit Urawa Reds.

"I feel positive sensations. I was happy to see Emerson train with the group, I'm not sure how well he is doing, but it's always good to see a team mate recovering," said Kaka.

"I'm sorry Ronie and Sergio did not take part in today's training, but I hope to see them back with us soon."

Kaka was asked if the long and gruelling flight would have a negative effect on the Mlan team.

"Not really, I'm used to it as I often travel to Brazil, only in that case the time goes backward," the 25-year-old said.

"The important thing is that your whole body gradually gets used to it. Now we will follow the instructions to decide when it's most appropriate to eat and sleep."

Finally Kaka was asked what he did in the first few hours after landing in Japan.

"It went well, the first few hours we had fun, then we talked a little and the majority of the players slept and we rested," he concluded.

AC Milan to enter Ronaldinho auction?

Milan have their eyes trained on Ronaldinho after the Brazilian star threatened to use FIFA Article 17 to quit Barcelona.

Milan have been regularly linked with Ronaldinho, but have seen past advances rebuffed as the former PSG man was a pivotal figure at the club.

However, the Porto Alegre native has fallen out of favour and was only on the bench for the Champions League game against Lyon and last weekend’s Espanyol derby day.

“My brother will leave if he isn’t wanted, even if he has to leave for free,” ‘Dinho’s agent and brother Roberto Assis warned.

FIFA Article 17 states that a player can unilaterally buy out his contract after three years of service if he pays a compensation sum to his club, based on his wages.

Chelsea have made no secret of their desire to bring the 27-year-old to Stamford Bridge and there could be a dramatic bidding war between the West London giants and the Rossoneri as both sides look to lure 'Dinho with a bumper contract offer.

There are also whispers that Juventus could enter the auction, but it is believed that they lack the funds to compete.

Simic nears Moscow move?

Milan defender Dario Simic is set to quit the Rossoneri and Lokomotiv Moscow is the most likely destination.

The 32-year-old is surplus to requirements at San Siro and has made just two appearances as a substitute this term.

The Croatia international declared earlier in the season that he would leave unless he played “at least 30 games” – a figure that now looks unrealistic.

Simic is hoping to represent Croatia at Euro 2008 and is searching for first-team football to ensure that he is prepared for the big event.

Lokomotiv Moscow are preparing to lose Serbian defensive starlet Branislav Ivanovic – with Juventus amongst the interested parties – and are believed to be considering Simic as a short-term replacement.

Ancelotti Hails Inzaghi Record

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti says it was important that his team finished top of their Champions League group, and praised Filippo Inzaghi after he became the top goalscorer in UEFA competition of all time.

SuperPippo scored his 63rd goal in European competition as Milan beat Celtic 1-0, thus surpassing the record he heald with Germany and Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller.

“Inzaghi reached a great achievement tonight, proving he still has a lot of life left in him,” said Ancelotti.

Milan only required a point to finish first in Group D, and the game seemed to be heading for a draw until Inzaghi struck in the 70th minute.

“Today we played a relatively tranquil first half, but we stepped on the gas in the second," said Carletto.

"We have many objectives this season and it was important to top the group so we’d reach the next round with the right credentials. It is also a good boost for the Club World Cup.”

Ancelotti concluded by looking ahead to next week's FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. The Rossoneri are favourites for the prestigious tournament between all of the world continents champions, however Copa Libertadores winners Boca Juniors should put up a fight.

“The European clubs have always struggled in Japan and we lost last time we were there,” pointed out Ancelotti.

“It is a great shop window for the South American sides and they seem to give a little bit extra. We have to prepare for this as we would a World Cup Final.

“Boca are a young side with the South American spirit. They have a mean defence and everyone knows Martin Palermo’s qualities in attack.”

SuperPippo Breaks UEFA Record In Milan Win

Milan 1-0 Celtic

Filippo Inzaghi broke the record as UEFA's all time record goalscorer as Milan beat Celtic 1-0 to finish top of Group D. The Bhoys also qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League following Shakhtar Donetsk's 2-1 defeat to Benfica.

Milan were already qualified coming into this game and required just a draw to finish top of the group. Celtic needed a point to progress to the last 16 for a second successive year.

The Rossoneri rested their entire defence, as Carlo Ancelotti went for a back-four consisting of Cafu, Daniele Bonera, Dario Simic and Giuseppe Favalli. Zeljko Kalac also replaced Dida in goal, however the rest of the line-up was virtually at full strength. Filippo Inzaghi would become the record European club competition goalscorer of all time if he scored in this game.

Celtic made one change from the side that drew with Hearts at the weekend. Massimo Donati replaced Jan Venegoor Of Hesselink as Gordon Strachan opted for a five-man midfield, with Scott McDonald as the lone frontman.

Newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner Kaka lifted his trophy to a rather empty-looking Milan crowd seconds before kick-off.

The tempo at the start of the game was painfully slow as Milan controlled possession inside the Celtic half without really trying to break through the backline.

Indeed it took until the 15th minute until either side made an attack of any note as Inzaghi won a free-kick right on the edge of the area. Andrea Pirlo laid the ball to Clarence Seedorf, who was making his 100th Champions League appearance, but his shot was charged down.

Kaka then burst into life, skipping past two challenges before being denied a run on goal by a fine challenge from Stephen McManus.

Milan upped the tempo a little and Ambrosini had a half-decent shooting opportunity but screwed his attempt wide.

On 25 minutes McManus gave the ball away carelessly and Kaka curled a fine effort from outside the box but it was comfortably wide of Artur Boruc's left-hand post.

Inzaghi then lost his man with a trademark near-post run and wasn't far away from connecting with Favalli's cross. SuperPippo had an attempt soon after but he hacked the ball horribly over.

The home side were forced into a change on 28 minutes as Simic limped off, replaced by Kaladze.

The game then slowed down to a pedestrian pace and the next effort on goal, Celtic's first of the game, came on 38 minutes as Jarosik fired in a harmless effort from 35 yards which was straight at Kalac.

Cafu was getting a lot of the ball down the right and whipped in a cross for Inzaghi, who's header was well off target. A minute before the break a short-corner caught Celtic sleeping and Seedorf toe-poked an effort over the bar.

Into the second half and Pirlo hit a bizarre free-kick from the left which swerved in at least two different directions before going wide.

Inzaghi then had perhaps the best chance of the match so far when he got onto the end of a ricochet, however he was forced wide and could not get his shot on target.

Milan were now playing as if they wanted to win the tie and the game became more open as a result.

On 55 minutes Celtic missed a glorious chance to take the lead. McManus' raking pass put Scott Brown clean through on goal, but he scuffed his shot abysmally wide.

A few minutes later there was a curious moment as Favalli put in a cross from the left and the whole Celtic team seemed to stop, expecting an offside decision. The flag stayed down and Inzaghi was left with an open goal but incredibly he headed the ball to Boruc, after thinking that play had stopped. The goal would have stood.

On 69 minutes Milan did take the lead and the goalscorer was inevitable. Kaka fed in Cafu, and the wing-back's cut-back was swept home from close-range by Inzaghi. It was SuperPippo's record 63rd goal in UEFA Club football history, overtaking the German legend Gerd Muller!

Aidan McGeady tried to respond with a long-range free-kick but it was simple for Kalac. Down the other end the evergreen Cafu burst forward and forced Boruc into a save.

Substitute Yoann Gourcuff then hit a rocket of a shot which fizzed over the bar as Milan looked for a second goal.

Celtic were looking ragged and had Boruc to thank as he made a superb reaction save to deny another substitute Cristian Brocchi. The Pole also stopped Inzaghi's follow-up but the striker was offside so it didn't matter.

On 81 minutes the away side launched a rare attack and Kalac made a fine save to push Brown's powerful shot around the post.

Brocchi was enjoying himself for Milan and he hit another fierce effort from 25 yards which Boruc had to get his full weight behind.

Celtic refused to give up and substitute Venegoor Of Hesselink had a half-decent chance but headed wide.

In injury time Kaka went on a mesmerising solo run, running half the length of the field, beating Hartley and rounding Boruc, before his goalbound shot was charged down by Sno.

There was still time for the lively McGeady to fire wide down the other end but it did not matter as Shakhtar Donetsk's 2-1 defeat to Benfica, means that Celtic qualify for the knockout stages.

Milan become the first team in history to finish top of their Champions League group for six years on the trot.

Milan: Kalac; Cafu, Simic (Kaladze 30), Bonera, Favalli; Gattuso, Pirlo (Brocchi 74), Ambrosini; Kakà, Seedorf (Gourcuff 69); Inzaghi.

Celtic: Boruc; Caldwell, Pressley, McManus, O’Dea; Hartley, McGeady, S Brown, Donati (Sno 71), Jarosik (Zurawski 78); McDonald (Venegoor Of Hesselink 65)

Ref: Ovrebo (Nor)

Goal: Inzaghi 70 (M)

A RECIPROCAL BONDING

As soon as he arrived in Milan, Ricky went towards Piazza del Duomo to show the Golden Ball to his fans and to thank them for contributing day by day to this great success. – THE PRESS CONFERENCE –

MILAN – These are the declarations of Kaka and Adriano Galliani during the press conference which was held last night at the arrival of the 2007 Golden Ball at the headquarters of Bwin at the Piazza del Duomo in Milan.

KAKA':
"I’m really happy to have received this award. Today it was an unforgettable day for me, but unfortunately it came to an end. In a day like this, you never get tired and only think about the nice things of the past and when tonight I will arrive home I will think, ‘unfortunately it’s over!’. I was excited this morning, then the award was handed to me in a city like Paris, in France, everything influenced. The first days I will keep this trophy close to me for sure, I think next to my night table.”

Ricky, was there ever a player you admired when you were a kid?
“Yes, there was a player who played with San Paolo and he was called Rai. When I was much younger, he was an example for me, he was the number one of the team and he won a lot and taught me a lot.”

When did you understand that Milan was the team for you?
“I always said that I want to become the symbol of this club, to be the captain one day, obviously respecting all of hierarchies of the case. Everyone has always misunderstood my talk when I say that my future depends on God’s will, but I want to remain at Milan.”

What affect does this award have for Brazilian and Italian football?
“I’m the fourth player after Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. I think that for Brazilian football is a nice thing. Then I believe that the possibility to win this award is bigger when playing in a winning team like Milan and a national team like the Verdeoro. Italian football is going through a delicate and difficult moment, but still remains a very competition football and this win can be very important.”

Ricky, with this award you become a perfect lad.
“Perfect no, I’m a contemporary lad, I do all the things that the other lads of my age do. I have my values, like the family – a value which I like a lot – and faith. For my defects you have to ask my parents and my brother.”

Who do you want to dedicate this Golden Ball to?
“I dedicate it to every person who has contributed in all of these years, to those who were close to me in my life and in my career. To all of these I give a piece of this Golden Ball. Many have been close to me, have supported me also from abroad and I want to thank all of these for this.”

Did you speak to President Berlusconi?
“The President was very happy about the fact that another of his players won this award and he hopes to bring more of these to the club.”

What excited you most?
“Seeing all of these fans outside waiting for me, there are no words to describe such a big and special emotion. I would have liked to hug them one by one because even they are part of this success. I did not expect all of these people.”

Do you also expect the FIFA World Player?
“I wouldn’t know, they told me I’m in the top three. I hope to finish this year in a wonderful way, maybe also winning in Japan, even though it will not be so easy, but it would be the perfect ending for this year. However, my motivation is that of winning again all that I have already won so far. Even though the next Golden Ball will be of a Milan player, we would all be happy because it would mean that Milan won again.”

ADRIANO GALLIANI:

“I hope that other Golden Balls arrive to Milan soon. Like the President of ‘France Football’ said, the Golden Ball is won by the player who proves Fair Play both on and off the pitch, and if Ricky has become like this we must also thank his parents. Therefore I thank mum and dad, who maybe did not teach him how to play football, but taught him to be a well-mannered boy and with great values, and I believe that this is fundamental for today’s footballers because they have substituted the Hollywood stars and have become models for the children, therefore they need to be positive models.”

For us Kaka is a reason of joy, pride, excitement and commotion. I’m really happy, just like President Berlusocni, of Riccardo’s desire to remain at Milan for a long time. I think that it will be a reciprocal commitment from Riccardo and the club. Let’s hope that Ricky ends as late as possible his tie with Milan, and he’s still a child as he only has 25 years of age. It’s a present we want to give to our fans.”

GOLDEN RICKY

It's official: Kaka is the 2007 Golden Ball. His ascent started in August 2003 and now it has reached its highest point. Kaka and Milan, following today's consacration in Paris, are dreaming of other targets together.

MILAN - He played 210 official games with Milan and he is only 25 years old. He has been here for the past four years and scored 69 goals. On his arrival he won the Scudetto and Champions League. He was the top-scorer of the 2007/08 Champions League, European Super Cup winner at Montecarlo, and this year he scored some amazing goals with the Brazilian national team, first against Ecuador and then against Peru. All the journalists of the world voted for him, but he is especially adored by coaches. Because he is a functional world class player, who interprets his quality like something which and must be decisive for the result and the team. Since being at Milan, there have been many important dates:

16th August 2003: Kakà arrives at the airport of Malpensa, accompanied by his dad Bosco and Ariedo Braida.

1st September 2003: Debut in Serie A, Ancona-Milan 0-2, Kakà starts to enchant.

5th October 2003: First goal in Serie A, the second of Milan in a derby which ends: Inter-Milan 1-3

4th November 2003: First goal in the Champions, at Brugges, with Milan in ten men and in difficult. His is the qualification goal.

6th Dwcember 2003: His first Italian "wonder". He comes on the pitch in the 74th minute at Empoli instead of Pirlo and scores a great goal from the distance. Empoli-Milan 0-1.

11th January 2004: The first brace with Milan, against Reggina which ends 3-1 in favour of the Rossoneri.

21st February 2004: The derby returns and he scores again. Milan overturns the result from 0-2 to 3-2 thanks to his second goal.

23rd March 2004: First brace in the Champions League, two goals in Milan-Deportivo 4-1.

2nd May 2004: Wins the Scudetto with a golden assist for Shevchenko in Milan-Roma 1-0.

24th November 2004: Another bace in the Champions League, Milan-Shakhtar - Donetsk 4-0.

27th February 2005: First decisive goal in a derby, Inter-Milan 0-1

April-May 2005: Makes marvellous assists in the Champions League for Sheva in the semi-final against PSV Eindhoven, for Ambrosini in the second leg and for Crespo in the Istanbul final, but Milan fail to win the trophy.

13th September 2005: Against Fenerbahce scores one of the nicest goals ever in his career, as he ran all the way from midfield.

9th April 2006: His first hat-trick at San Siro, Milan-Chievo 4-1

1st November 2006: His first hat-trick in the Champions League, Milan-Anderlecht 4-1

24th April 2007: Scored important goals, a brace at Old Trafford in the Champions League semi-final.

23rd May 2007: Suffers the foul from which Milan score from the free-kick in the Champions League final of Athens against Liverpool and then assists Inzaghi for the second goal.

September-October 2007: In the first three wins of Milan in the league, at Genoa against Sampdoria and Genoa, and at Rome against Lazio, there are his goals.

7th November 2007: Well-taken goals at Donetsk, in the Champions League during Shakhtar-Milan 0-3.

Maradona Feels That Kaka Doesn't Deserve The Ballon d'or

Argentinean legend Diego Maradona weighs in on the debate on whether Ricardo Kaka deserves the Balloon d’or, and stuck to his earlier stance.

As soon as Kaka received the prestigious trophy on Sunday in Paris, a furious debate ensued questioning the merits of the Brazilian superstar receiving the award.

Though his Champions League form was great, the play-maker was practically non-existent through the Serie A season, and there have been calls from various quarters that consistency should be rewarded as opposed to a few glittering performances.

Former Argentinean superstar Diego Maradona - who had made his position clear by backing Lionel Messi - chose to stick to his guns.

“Rooney, Ronaldinho and Messi would have been the worthy winners,” he said.

“It was a tough decision but there is not much separating Kaka from those players.”

'El Diego' also had an opinion on the upcoming World Club Cup that pits his beloved Boca Juniors against AC Milan.

“It’s going to be a difficult match and everyone is predicting Milan to be victorious but Milan are Kaka-dependent,” he stated.

Carletto focused on Celtic

Carlo Ancelotti insists that his Milan side are focused on beating Celtic tomorrow to secure top spot in Champions League Group D.

The European champions are already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, but they need to avoid defeat against Celtic to finish top.

December will be a crucial month for Milan as they prepare to travel to Japan for the Club World Cup, but Carletto denies suggestions that the Rossoneri may relax in their final Group D encounter.

“At the moment we aren’t thinking about Tokyo, but about winning the Champions League Group,” Ancelotti stressed.

“We want to keep hold of first place. We will do our duty and we have the utmost respect for everyone.

“Celtic are a lot more experienced than in past years. They are physically and technically strong and can hurt you.

“They have put in very good performances at home and have improved so much, but they are less strong away from home.”

Milan will also be motivated by the desire for revenge after their devastating defeat in Glasgow on a night that saw Nelson Dida vilified for overreacting to an attack from a fan.

“Dida is clam and the episode in Glasgow is over,” Ancelotti insisted. “He has admitted his responsibility and it finished then.”

Pippo Inzaghi could overtake Gerd Muller’s record of 62 European Cup goals if he finds the net and the Milan boss finished with a thought for the prolific hitman.

“That record is very important to Pippo and he can get there,” he stated.

“We hope that he will get there tomorrow evening, but if he doesn’t he will get there another time.”

Galliani: We're keeping Kaka

Adriano Galliani has “guaranteed” Kaka will remain at Milan after becoming the sixth player from the club to win the Ballon d’Or.

“It is a fantastic story,” grinned the Vice-President. “We have had Gianni Rivera, Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten won it three times, George Weah, Andriy Shevchenko and now Kaka. I thank him and his family.”

The Brazilian has been the subject of world record shattering transfer bids from Real Madrid and Chelsea, the Spaniards alleged to have offered £80m.

“He will remain at Milan. I can guarantee it,” assured Galliani.

Kaka’s family was in attendance at the ‘France Football’ ceremony in Paris, including younger brother Digao, who also plays for Milan.

“It is very exciting being here. To see my brother receive this trophy and know he is the Number One makes me very proud,” said the defender.

Digao gave Ricky his football nickname, as when he was young he was unable to pronounce Ricardo and could only say ‘Kaka.’

“He makes so many sacrifices and works extremely hard. He really deserves it. Clearly, I want to win one as well now!”

Kaka’s mother Cristina was in Paris beaming with pride. “It is a great moment of achievement. Since he was a little boy I have seen our son work hard. I thank God and Kaka, because he is fantastic.”

This week Kaka confirmed to the media that he was trying to have a child with wife Caroline.

“It is a great honour to be Kaka’s wife at a ceremony like this,” she said. “I know how important this trophy is for my husband. Above all, we thank God.”

I’m Not Going Anywhere, Assures Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo has reassured the Milan faithful by declaring that he has no intent to leave the San Siro in the summer.

Juventus and Bayern Munich have both been linked with bank-busting bids for the Azzurri star, even though Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has always been keen to stress that the 28-year-old is not for sale for any price.

Now, it would certainly appear that their charm offensive has had no affect on Pirlo’s contentness in Milan.

“I can confirm that I’ll still be at Milan next season,” said the stylish midfielder. “The fact is that my contract runs until 2011.”

This was a marked shift in tone from comments made by Pirlo recently, as he had gotten in the habit of announcing his admiration for Juventus and Bayern, for whom his close friends Gianluigi Buffon and Luca Toni famously star.

This might not be enough to dissuade his suitors from preparing offers in excess of 25m Euro to test both Milan and Pirlo’s resolve, however, as the former Brescia man counts as one of the coveted midfielders on the planet.

Ballon d'Or: Kaka crowned

It is now official – Milan star Kaka is the 2007 Player of the Year after he was assigned the Ballon d’Or.

The Brazilian had been the over-riding favourite since voting began among the journalists all over the continent.

Previously known as the European Player of the Year award, organisers ‘France Football’ have recently extended the competition to those all over the world.

He absolutely dominated with 444 votes, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, 277) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 255). The same trio are shortlisted for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The other Serie A representatives in the top 10 are Milan teammate Andrea Pirlo in fifth position, Inter’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic in seventh place and Francesco Totti in 10th.

“It was an exceptional year and the Ballon d’Or crowns an extraordinary 2007,” said Kaka as he accepted the award in Paris.

“I want to thank God who allowed me to be here today. I thank my wife, my parents and Milan, the team that allowed me to win.

“I also thank my teammates, both at Milan and Brazil, and all of the fans.”

Kaka was the hot favourite after winning the Champions League – where he was top scorer with 10 goals – and the European Super Cup with the Rossoneri.

"It's the top prize around and the only way to win something like this is to play for a team like Milan," he said. "It's great to be part of a team that wins."

In October Kaka was named FIFPro World Player of the Year, voted for by 45,000 members of the players' union.

‘Ricky’ succeeds Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who won both the 2006 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year trophies after his World Cup triumph.

In all eight Ballon d’Ors have gone to Milan players after Gianni Rivera (1969), Ruud Gullit (1987), Marco van Basten (1988, ’89, ’92), George Weah (1995) and Andriy Shevchenko (2004).

“I have always said I want to become a symbol for Milan, the captain of this squad and I believe the best person to learn from is Paolo Maldini, who has played for the same club his whole life and won so much,” continued Kaka.

“I have just started my career, I am winning and he can set the best example for all of us here, as we are all winners.”

Since joining the Rossoneri for under £6m in the summer of 2003 Kaka has won the Scudetto, Champions League, two European Super Cups as well as three Oscar del Calcio – including 2006 Serie A Player of the Year – and UEFA 2007 Player of the Year.

“I am more mature, have more experience and learned so many things. I can put all that on to the field and this is why I score more goals and can play with more consistency, but that can only improve over time.”

The only trophy missing from the prodigious 25-year-old’s mantelpiece is now the Club World Cup, which Milan will aim for later this month.

“The competition in Japan is all I am missing now. This is the most important for a South American, as I grew up knowing this is the best there is, as you can only play in it if you win the Copa Libertadores. I lost in 2003, but now I want to win.”

Kaka was among the Rossoneri who lost the Intercontinental Cup to Boca Juniors in December 2003.

1) Kaka` (Brazil, Milan) 444 points
2) Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United) 277
3) Leo Messi (Argentina, Barcellona) 255
4) Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea) 108
5) Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Milan) 41
6) Ruud van Nistelrooy (Holland, Real Madrid) 39
7) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Inter) 31
8) Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal) 27
9) Robinho (Brazil, Real Madrid) 24
10) Francesco Totti (Italy, Roma) 20
11) Frederic Kanoute` (Mali, Sevilla) 19 u`
12) Ronaldinho (Brazil, Barcellona) 18
13) Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool) 17
14) Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina, Boca Juniors-Villarreal) 15
15) Daniel Alves (Brazil, Siviglia) 14
16) Filippo Inzaghi (Italy, Milan) 12
17) Franck Ribery (France, Marseille-Bayern Munich) 10
18) Paolo Maldini (Italy, Milan) 8
19) Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus), Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea), Gennaro Gattuso (Italy, Milan), Thierry Henry (France, Arsenal-Barcelona), Clarence Seedorf (Holland, Milan) 7
24) Fabio Cannavaro (Italy, Real Madrid), Michael Essien (Ghana, Chelsea) 5
26) Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United) 4
27) Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid), Rogerio Ceni (Brazil, San Paolo) 3
29) Younis Mahmoud (Iraq, Al-Gharafa) 2
30) Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria, Tottenham), Samuel Eto`o (Cameroon, Barcelona), Ryan Giggs (Wales, Manchester United), Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, America Mexico), Carlos Tevez (Argentina, West Ham-Manchester United), Robin van Persie (Holland, Arsenal) 1.

Ancelotti Rues Denied Penalty, Sets Infamous Record

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was not happy with the penalty he believes his team were denied as he set a recored he would not have liked to.

“We struggled in the first half, but after the break Juve’s pressure dropped and we took control,” he began, speaking after the 0-0 draw.

“Juventus are a very compact side and they kept a lot of pressure on Andrea Pirlo.

“But we could have been a little luckier and there was a penalty incident on Alberto Gilardino.”

It is almost incredible that Milan have not won at home for nine games, but the Rossoneri coach was not too fluttered.

“The statistics say we don’t score often enough at home," he responded. "Today we had some good chances and have nothing to reproach ourselves for.

"However, we are doing better than last season before the Christmas break, even if there are some midfield players need to play continuously."

Finally, he spoke about Ronaldo's continuing fitness problems: "We have time to get him back into shape. I think we have time to prepare for Japan [the Club World Cup]."