AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is a 'complete player' & 'one of the best in the world'

Milan skipper lavishes praise on England forward...

By Adrian Fisk

Massimo Ambrosini - Milan (Getty Images)
AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini has revealed that he considers Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to be a "complete player" and one of the finest players in the world.

Milan meet the Red Devils at Old Trafford in the Champions League on Wednesday night seeking to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat and Ambrosini was full of praise for United's 24-year-old attacker.

"Rooney is considered to be a star player on the world stage," said the Italy international, as quoted by Press Association Sport.

"He is better than in the past. He has improved and is now a complete player. He is one of the best in the world at the moment."

Milan boss Leonardo echoed his captain's sentiments, but suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid in the summer could have enhanced Rooney's progress.

"Rooney is a fixed point of reference in the United team," he said.

"It is incredible to see the way he has developed, grown and matured as a player.

"Maybe it has had something to do with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving because it meant he needed to step up."

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Arsenal thrashed by AC Milan, Zenit beat Benfica - Follow the Champions League LIVE!
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Arsenal fall to their heaviest defeat in Europe on a miserable night in Milan for Arsene Wenger's side. Join Goal.com as we cover tonight's huge games on the continent.

Get in touch on Twitter via @GoalUK
15/02/2012
So that's all from me tonight, thanks for joining me for what was quite a memorable evening in the Champions League.
15/02/2012
We've heard from all the big players from tonight's games as Milan and Zenit record first leg victories.

For Milan progression to next round seems inevitable after they thumped Arsenal 4-0 at the San Siro.

However things are very different for Zenith, and despite their win you may actually make Benfica favourites given they scored two away goals in Russia.
15/02/2012
All this focus on the Arsenal and Milan game should not take away from another cracker earlier tonight between Zenit and Benfica. The Russians came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the closing minutes before Oscar Cardozo levelled things for Benfica, but it wasn't over there as Roman Shirokov won the game for Zenit in the 88th minute.

Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus who felt his side deserved a point from the game
15/02/2012
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny bemoaned his side's luck tonight but refused to give up. Here's some of his quotes, the full story is here.

"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.

"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.

"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
15/02/2012
I'm just watching the highlights of the game and some of Arsenal's defending really was shocking. It really makes you wonder why Wenger didn't bolster the defence in January.
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