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
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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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.
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus who felt his side deserved a point from the game
"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."
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