Ambro: Liverpool in my destinyMassimo Ambrosini sees the hand of fate giving Milan the opportunity to avenge their 2005 defeat to Liverpool.
“When I saw our opponents in the Final would be Liverpool, I thought that life is strange and always gives you another chance,†smiled the midfielder.
“We had done it that night, all we had to do was finish the job. Now we have that opportunity.†(IMG:
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Ambrosini was one of the players in Istanbul in 2005 when the Rossoneri were leading 3-0 only to lose on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Now Carlo Ancelotti’s men have another shot at the trophy in Athens on May 23, earning that right thanks to a magnificent performance to eliminate Manchester United 5-3 on aggregate.
“We progressed because our individual talents put themselves at the total service of the collective and in so doing they shone even brighter. Kaka, Clarence Seedorf and Pippo Inzaghi worked their behinds off. As for Manchester, their soloists did their own thing and they were beaten. Milan always manage to find their strength at the right time.â€
Inter have made cutting comments about Milan’s Champions League status, though Ambrosini reminds them of what it takes to be the only Italian side in the final four.
“Of the 14 players who took part in the semi-final, eight of them were Italian. We are very proud of that and so are our fans, not that we want to criticise anyone, of course.â€
It has been a particularly stressful journey for the Italian international, who has struggled with a series of injuries over the past few years.
“The setbacks were incessant. When I finally got back to playing regularly, I rediscovered that mentality I had lost. I wasn’t exactly afraid I’d have to retire, but I did fear I would never be able to play at a certain level again. There were terrible moments in which I was just so exhausted of it all, as the moment I returned I’d get another minor injury.â€
Yet Ambrosini could be set for a departure in the summer, as he is one of the few stars yet to extend his contract past June 2008.
“For now I am only focused on May 23,†he told the ‘Corriere dello Sport’. “I am honoured by the interest from Fiorentina, as they are a great squad with an excellent Coach in Cesare Prandelli.â€
Channel4