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Gilardino On Parma And Arsenal
Milan striker Alberto Gilardino has spoken of his love for the city of Parma, his disappointment at not leaving there with all three points on Saturday and the need for his team to be completely focussed when they meet Arsenal on Wednesday.
Milan lost further ground on Fiorentina in the battle to claim the fourth Champions League place in Serie A at the weekend but Alberto Gilardino was philosophical about the 0-0 draw against the club where he enjoyed three goal-happy years.
"Pity about the result," sighed the out-of-sorts striker at Sunday's official press conference. "Because last night we could have taken home the three points, especially after the performance Milan had in the second half with some of the chances we managed to create. Bucci was very good to stop us. Now we take this point and we prepare well the game against Arsenal.
"Personally I feel fine, I'm in form and I have a lot of desire to play and to give my contribution to the squad. Yesterday I had a couple of chances to score, in particular a ball was stopped by Castellini with his heel," he reflected.
"Returning to the Tardini was a particular sensation, both for the affection that I feel for this city, where I spent three years of my life, and for the people who are always warm. As a stadium it resembles a lot the English model, with the public very close to the pitch."
This allowed him to turn his focus neatly towards Milan's mid-week Champions League game in London.
"On Wednesday we shall face Arsenal," Gila continued. "We have only a few days, but we shall use these hours to prepare for this important game. We are training well to arrive prepared both in the mental and physical level so as to play a tactically perfect game. We must play a good game."