[Warchant]

MILAN (AP) - Former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini said Wednesday the club has no chance of winning the Champions League next season after selling Kaka to Real Madrid.

The Brazilian confirmed his move to Madrid for a reported €65 million ($92 million) on Monday, saying he hoped his sale would help ease Milan's financial woes.

Maldini said that while the move may have made financial sense, it had undoubtedly weakened the side's chances of adding to it's seven European Cups.

"Milan winning the Champions League without Kaka is a dream," Maldini said on Milan's Web site on Wednesday. "Looking at the bank account is logical, but at the start of the season you need to set obtainable objectives and without Kaka the Champions League is a dream.

"He is one of the five best players in the world along with (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The other four aren't moving and Milan can't buy them. Selling Kaka was a big blow to his teammates and the fans."

In his 24-year career with Milan, the former Italy captain was in the vanguard of Italian dominance in Europe. He won the Champions League five times and helped the club to a further three finals.

However, he now feels that Italy has slipped behind other leagues in Europe.

"Kaka is the first player of that level to be sold. In the past such an idea would never have been taken into consideration," Maldini said.

Maldini does feel that new coach Leonardo will not have to look too far to find a replacement for the 2007 World Player of the Year.

"Ronaldinho will have a lot of responsibility next season. Last year he didn't surpass himself, but I think this responsibility will do him good."