The speculation of the past few days has now come to fruition... Reports earlier this week indicated that Zeljko Kalac’s future at Milan was up in the air, following an inconsistent pre-season that has seen him slide down the goalkeeping ranks at the club. Consequently, the Rossoneri were strongly linked to Flavio Roma of Monaco as a direct replacement, and as of only a few hours ago, the move has officially been announced. The San Siro outfit released a statement on their official website, which read, "AC Milan announce that by consensus, it has decided to terminate the working relationship with the player Zeljko Kalac. We thank him for what he has done for the Rossoneri in the past, and we wish him all the very best for the future. "AC Milan also would like to announce that it has acquired the full rights to Flavio Roma from Monaco, who has signed a contract until June 30 2010." Roma managed to make 247 appearances for his now-former French club from 2001 to 2009. At 35 years of age, he isn’t aiding the Rossoneri’s cause of lowering the average age of their squad. Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com

The Rossoneri have confirmed the deal... At last the Rossoneri fans have some hope. Milan have announced the signing of Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Earlier this morning Rossoneri general manager Adriano Galliani confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Real Madrid for the frontman, and the official confirmation has now arrived. A statement on Milan's official website reads: "A.C. Milan communicate they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the purchase of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. "The Dutch footballer will be subjected to the medical checks tomorrow, after which he will sign a contract which will keep him at the Rossoneri club until 30 June 2013." Goal.com understands that Huntelaar has signed a four-year contract with the San Siro club. The transfer fee Milan have paid Real Madrid is believed to be €15 million. This represents Milan's first significant signing of the summer. The Italian giants had made no secret of their intention to buy a top-class striker, and they will now be hoping that Huntelaar proves to be that man. The 25-year-old, who only joined Real Madrid from Ajax in January for €20m, scored eight goals in 20 games for the Blancos before being deemed surplus to requirements following the return as president of Florentino Perez this summer.

The Dutchman confident the Rossoneri will find themselves competitive for the coming season...

Stefano Federici

Speaking to MilanChannel Clarence Seedorf asked for patience as the Rossoneri prepare for a season without Kaka and Ancelotti.

“We need to work in a calm and relaxed manner,” the Dutchman proclaimed. “ There are many changes but we must give time for all the new elements to find their feet.”

After being one of the key men for Carlo Ancelotti in recent years, Seedorf declared himself ready to turn the page and follow his new leader Leonardo with the same level of loyalty and service.

“We will need a little time to adapt to the new workings of the coach. However I believe the disposal of the squad to give their full backing to Leonardo will enable the side to find its way after the early changes.”
The Rossoneri are set to get their season underway in a friendly in Varese on Sunday evening.

With the Milan faithful showing their discontent over recent weeks, it remains to be seen how the side will be welcomed as they begin to prepare for life after Kaka.

Stefano Federici, Goal.com

Milan's French midfielder Mathieu Flamini does not feel like playing in the full back position again, though Aly Cissokho's failed transfer might force him to do so next season.

Danilo Pochini

Although they missed out on Porto full back Aly Cissokho because of a problem during his medical, Milan do not intend to return on the market for another lateral defender, according to vice-president Adriano Galliani.

This might force French midfielder Mathieu Flamini to play as a full back, which he also had to do sometimes last season, once again. This is a prospect he is not looking forward to, as he explained to Sky Sport 24.

"I don't want to play as a full back, I am a midfielder," the Frenchman said. "This year Milan will be strong in defence.

"[Emmanuel] Adebayor? We talk sometimes but I didn't tell him to come here, we are just friends."

On new coach Leonardo, he said: "We have changed our training methods, now we use physical methods with the ball, which is interesting. We have fun during training."

The former Arsenal man also talked about the Rossoneri's ambitions for next season, saying "we are competitive, we're back in the Champions League and Milan always play to win that. We can do well."

Danilo Pochini

Attacking wing backs and forwards that help out the defence – the new look Milan will be fast, compact and quick on the break...

Stefano Federici

This evening in Varese all eyes will be on the new look Milan that was commissioned no more than a month ago by new coach Leonardo.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Rossoneri are set to adopt a 4-3-3 and despite missing a few final key pieces, the new strategy is set to be put into practice in Milan’s first pre-season encounter.

During the past few days the new regime has modified the way training sessions are staged, with the emphasis on a shorter more intense session. The ball is also present throughout the session which was not always the case under Carlo Ancelotti.

With Leonardo putting in a lot of hours to find the right tactical balance it is expected that a much shorter Milan side will present itself this evening in Varese. The Brazilian is insistent on the side being stretched no further than 30m apart from front to back, and this will permit all departments to lend a hand regardless of whether the side is in possession or not.

It seems running, creativity, and courage are to be the three commandments of Leonardo, as his new look Milan begins its journey together in a new era for the Rossoneri.


Stefano Federici, Goal.com

The Rossoneri supremo believes his side are more than capable of competing with their cross-town rivals...

Adam Scime

After a disappointing season that saw the club finish in third place in Serie A and without any silverware, AC Milan are looking to bounce back this campaign and president Silvio Berlusconi is confident that can be achieved.

"We must take the field and have fun, be masters of the game. Perhaps with some tactical innovation, we are aiming to make a great Milan," he told Mediaset on Sunday.

Their city rivals Inter, have brought in a couple of high profile signings this summer in Diego Milito and Thiago Motta, but the Italian politician believes that his side can boast more talent.

"I appreciate Inter from a physical and aesthetic perspective, but we have more class," he explained.

"From [Andrea] Pirlo, [Clarence] Seedorf, [Alexandre] Pato to Ronaldinho, there is no equal in Italy."

Adam Scime, Goal.com

The new Rossoneri tactician gave his take on the ongoing negotiations to bring the talented forward to the San Siro...

Stefano Federici

After guiding his new Milan for the first time in their 2-0 victory over local side Varese on Sunday evening, coach Leonardo was all smiles despite the recent declarations of president Silvio Berlusconi, who distanced the club from a potential swoop for Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano.

Speaking to Mediaset shortly after the game, Leonardo shed some light on the likelihood of a positive conclusion to Milan’s first major move in the summer transfer market.

“Luis Fabiano is close, we just need to go over the final details,” he declared.

“Right now I am satisfied with the squad I’ve got, but if another player was to come in I would be more than happy. During the week we worked hard and I am already seeing the fruits of what I’m working towards.”

With indications that the Rossoneri are to rely more heavily this season on Ronaldinho, Leonardo clarified the Brazilian's physical condition in light of his lack of action last term.

He said, “Ronadinho? He is working hard to get his engine going and increase his stamina over the course of 90 minutes. 'Dinho is a massive talent and if he continues to work like he did this evening, he will soon get back to his best.”

Stefano Federici, Goal.com

The Rossoneri could lose the Brazilian hitman if the Spanish side accept a reportedly higher bid from the Citizens…

Kooi Soon Leong

After tussling with AC Milan for Samuel Eto’o, Manchester City are looking to disrupt the Serie A giants’ transfer plans again as they prepare to hijack their bid to sign Luis Fabiano from Sevilla.

Following City’s announcement that they had given up on signing the Cameroonian from Barcelona for the time being, Sport has speculated that they will now focus their attention on Fabiano.

Milan’s highest offer to Sevilla so far stands at €18 million, still €2m shy of the lowest price the Andalucians are willing to consider.

The Citizens, on the other hand, are reportedly prepared to offer €25m, roughly the same amount that they had set aside for Eto’o, as well as tempt the Brazilian striker with a much more lucrative wage packet than what the Italians can offer.

Although Fabiano has hinted through his agent that he would only consider a move to the Rossoneri should he leave the Nervionense outfit, Sport believes that Robinho could convince the Confederations Cup Golden Boot winner to join the Eastlands outfit.

Meanwhile, this latest turn of events, if confirmed, could prompt Milan to revive their interest in Eto’o, although they would still have to confront the issue of meeting Barcelona and the player’s own financial demands.

KS Leong, Goal.com

The Brazilian was called to give a leader’s speech at Milanello after the club president hailed him the Rossoneri’s new champion...

Stefano Federici

Following the encouraging words of Silvio Berlusconi on Sunday afternoon, it appears Ronaldinho is warming to the idea of becoming Milan’s flag bearer next term as he looks to fill the void left by the departed Kaka.

After being cockled by the president as “a great champion”, the Brazilian was asked to promise he would lead the Rossoneri to victory following their recent overhaul.

As Milan strolled to a comfortable pre-season win against local side Varese, 'Dinho then gave his response, promising the fans that he wants to get back to his best.

“I want to have a great season and dedicate my efforts to the president,” he said eagerly.

“I also want to guarantee the fans that I have the right mentality to become a great champion once again.”

Ronaldinho also hailed the potential arrival of Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano, his fellow Brazilian international.

“It would be a great addition, he is a great player and we could form a wonderful trio along with [Alexandre] Pato,” he concluded.

Stefano Federici, Goal.com

‘Carletto’ admits the Rossoneri will start the new season “with their headlights off”, but is confident Leonardo is the right man to open a new chapter.

Vince Masiello

Carlo Ancelotti left Milan for Premier League giants Chelsea last month after eight years at the helm of the club, but he has touted the Italians to flourish under new coach Leonardo.

It was no doubt the end of an era at the San Siro, but the 50-year-old insists the split came along with no hard feelings.

“The rapport with Milan ended by mutual agreement, there was no friction or misunderstandings” Ancelotti told Rai TV show ‘La Domenica Sportiva’.

Despite selling Brazilian superstar Kaka to Real Madrid, Milan have only signed defender Oguchi Onyewu and young striker Gianmarco Zigoni, with president Silvio Berlusconi warning that the club cannot afford to indulge in unrestrained spending in the current economic climate.

“Milan are starting over with their headlights off,” explained the tactician.

“They have not bought anyone, but with some players coming back, they have what it takes to do well.

“I don’t have any tips for Leonardo, but he has great qualities and will convey passion and enthusiasm to the team.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com