Ancelotti Thanks Milan For Successful Summer

Ancelotti’s head was on the chopping block following an indifferent campaign that saw Milan finish fifth in Serie A after losing out to Fiorentina in the race for Champions League qualification.

Many believed it was time for a fresh start at San Siro, with wholesale changes to the playing squad and coaching necessary for the club to move forward and reclaim their throne at the very pinnacle of Italian football.

But surprisingly few names have been scratched off the Rossoneri payroll this summer – underperforming striker Alberto Gilardino is perhaps the only major exit to have taken place thus far.

Indeed, of far more note are the additions, especially that of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho, who followed Gianluca Zambrotta this week by completing the switch from Barcelona.

Ancelotti is thankful for the club’s investment in the transfer market, and is adamant his side can push for their first league title since 2004 and their first-ever UEFA Cup crown.

Competitive

“First of all I need to thank the club for what they have done,” he said on Milan’s official website. “The efforts were important after a very unusual year.

“We now have a very competitive squad and we are preparing to play the new season with a lot of motivation and enthusiasm. As Adriano Galliani said our primary objective will be the Scudetto, but to win the Uefa Cup would also be a great experience.

“The final will be played in Istanbul and we have a bad memory of that city which we want to cancel.”

Enthusiasm

Ronaldinho’s arrival at San Siro has met with mixed opinions. Some believe the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year will give the team an extra spark of creativity up front, while others claim he is past his best, unfit and would serve only to intrude upon Kaka’s natural playing style.

But Ancelotti had nothing but praise the for 28-year-old: “He has arrived and immediately brought a big wave of enthusiasm. I expect him to make himself available to play in the best possible conditions and express himself at his own high levels.”

Mike Maguire