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Sheva: Oh how I miss Milan!
Saturday 19 January, 2008

Andriy Shevchenko admits he misses Italy, Milan and Serie A football as the regrets of walking out for Chelsea’s millions finally hit home.

“I feel nostalgic for Italy. I miss my friends and certain things about the country — the food for example,” the £30m signing told The Sun newspaper.

“And then I miss the atmosphere and high tension of Italian games. Things are more relaxed over here.”

Sheva made the switch to Stamford Bridge only to see his old Rossoneri teammates lift the Champions League and Club World Cup trophies a year later.

“Italian football is fantastic. It is all about tactics and intelligence. Italian people appreciate great champions and good football.

“English football is faster and more physical. The smaller teams try to cut the gap between themselves and the big clubs by playing with great strength.

"I could sum it up by saying Italian football is about finishing and logic, a bit like chess, and the English game is based on speed and instinct.”

Shevchenko does not disguise his love for Milan and will be cheering them on against Arsenal when the two clubs meet in the Champions League next month, while he tips Liverpool to struggle against Inter.

“Arsenal’s team strikes me as still a bit too young for certain competitions,” he added in the interview with The Sun.

"Meanwhile, Liverpool are having a number of problems, and not playing consistently.”

The Ukrainian had moved to England claiming he wanted to learn the language to better communicate with his American wife and two children, but things have not gone to plan.

“I can understand most things in English but I find it hard to speak. I prefer Italian,” confessed the 31-year-old.

“My real problem is I have not been able to achieve any continuity. This season I was doing well, I had scored seven goals in my last 10 games, then all of a sudden back problems have got in my way.

“I’ll have to be out for a month. I’d like to be back playing regularly once again before people pass judgment on me.”


::channel4::

Yawn...