A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE
18/11/2008
MILANO - In merito ad alcune notizie apparse sulla stampa estera, il Milan smentisce nella maniera più categorica di aver mai offerto il calciatore Andriy Shevchenko al Real Madrid e ne conferma l'assoluta incedibilità.

[AC MILAN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
In relation to various notices appearing in the foreign press, Milan denies in the most categorical manner that it ever offered the footballer Andriy Shevchenko to Real Madrid and confirms that the player is unsellable.]

Sounds like there were a lot of Sheva-to-Madrid rumors rolling around somewhere.

Heck, I wouldn't've minded, seeing that we brought him back to be just about permanently glued to the bench. I think there's still a bit of a grudge between Carlo and Shev, dating back to their little public tiffs a few seasons ago.

Galliani: Shevchenko Is Untouchable
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has quashed rumors suggesting thatUkrainian striker Andrei Shevchenko will join Real Madrid...

Madrid-based daily Marca claimed that Andrei Shevchenko, who rejoined Milan from Chelsea in the summer, was close to making the switch to the Primera Division as cover for the crocked Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

However, Galliani has slammed his fist on the table and he insists there is no chance his star striker will leave in January.

"Technically the operation wouldn't be impossible as you can have two transfers in one season," the chief told Datasport.it.

"However, Shevchenko will not be leaving. He is untouchable and now he will be playing for us."

The chief also spoke about this weekend's showdown clash between bitter rivals Inter and Juventus.

"It will be an uncertain game. The ideal result for us would be a no contest where neither team picked up points."

Milan are currently a point behind Inter and two ahead of the Bianconeri. A draw between the rivals would be the ideal result for the Rossoneri

Sheva and Kaladze to testify?
Wednesday 19 November, 2008
Ukrainian newspapers claim that Milan stars Andriy Shevchenko and Kakha Kaladze will be questioned during investigations into the President's poisoning.

President Viktor Yushchenko claimed he was poisoned at a dinner in September 2004 and prosecutors are seeking information on businessman Tamaz Tsintsabidze, who was present at that event.

According to newspaper Kommersant, the Prosecutor's Office is seeking testimony from former Dynamo Kiev players who may have had some connection with Tsintsabidze.

Shevchenko and Kaladze are said to be lined up for an interview, while Andrey Gusin has already given his testimony.

“It is all stupid, to my mind, but I can't do anything about it,” said Gusin in Kommersant.

“They asked me to come and I did. Evidently there's no logic in the move. The Prosecutor's Office seems to have gone off the rails.”

...Strange!!
Am I missing something though?
What the hell is this really about? Could someone explain plz.

What's the source of the news btw, Miz?

Mafia type thingy.

What's the source of the news btw, Miz?

oh ic

Sheva is untouchable.

Channel 4.

Heck, I wouldn't've minded, seeing that we brought him back to be just about permanently glued to the bench. I think there's still a bit of a grudge between Carlo and Shev, dating back to their little public tiffs a few seasons ago.

He should really get over it, whatever happened before should be forgotten.

Ego's?? You think Carlo has a big ego? I didn't notice that...I'm not sure. From my viewpoint Capello, Mourinho, Trap and probably all the big coaches have more ego then Carlo, or are at least showing more ego them him.

Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. More so if you've got two big egos as in Carlo and Sheva. Two big personalities, they won't get over it that easy.

Who talked about showing ego? I know you love the man, Fillipo, and I respect that but sometimes you've got to look beyond your impression of a person to find the truth. I'd be brutally honest with you the only two persons I'd ever like to become are Paolo and Rui Costa, in that order. Seriously. All others come behind. As far as Carlo is concerned, sure you can still love him with all his faults - it only makes him more human.

I'll dig up some Carlo gems from the 2005-2006 era and you'll see ego. Oh, you'll see it alright.

I don't think it's an issue of big egos acid. I think Carlo tends to hold onto a grudge for far too long.

No, maybe you misunderstood or I wasn't good in my explanation. I meant, Carlo's ego is IMO not that visible or present in comparison to the other great coaches...

It's the ego in the first place that's allowed the grudge to go on for far too long. Not pure ego, yes, but if any of them were a down-to-earth person it shouldn't have gone this far. I still recall some news headlines from 2-3 years back, and both Carlo and Sheva coming out denying them. There just had to be something, in what capacity, the jury is still out on that one. But it wasn't anything nice, and I'm sure we're seeing a part of it continuing.

Agreed on that. And we're seeing it continuing because now Carlo can bench Sheva without creating the uproar he would have before if he dared to bench him.

Ditto. Carlo has a good case, this time around. He can play the Ukrainian when his heart desires. And while Sheva is no saint himself, currently he can only sit and watch instead of bringing down the house. This is what happens when you return as a failure with your tails between your legs.

The only difference being this time around - as you put it, Han - is no uproar. Whatsoever.

The only difference is that Sheva isn't even a shadow of the player he was back then with us in the late 90ties and early millenium-change years. Pato, Pippo, Boriello,...I see them all before Sheva now. He wanted an adventure, now he paid the price. Don't think it has to do much with Ancelotti or a coach in particular.

To be fair its hard to judge where Sheva is with his game. He's been given extremely limited opportunity over the course of the season so far. Personally the only thing that he's lost is his pace. In most the games he's played he's created both opportunities for himself and others. Even last night he got himself into a good scoring position. Not too bad considering we didn't create much and he had 10 minutes to get into the tempo of the game.

I wouldn't say Pippo is ahead of him like Mook said, in every game he's plaved he's created chances and played well, his pace is not what it used to be but that's to be expected. If you were to ask me who I'd want to start if it was a competition between Pippo and Sheva, Sheva imo should win hands down. He's a far better all round player that contributed trice as much to the team as Pippo does.

The reason he's not playing is like we've been discussing, whatever problems him and Carlo had before he left are still evident, the only difference now is that Carlo can leave him on the bench in every game without having half of Milan coming after him with torches

Exact!

I'm not saying Pato is a good choice for the Christmas tree [I believe he will be able to play in that position one day, but certainly not yet] but did you see the effort he put against Toro? he was constantly battling for the ball, coming back, helping the midfield, stealing the ball, starting a new attack, etc. he tried his best to help the team. the same with Sheva.

I'm not saying this because I'm not a fan of Pippo's football, but with him none of those happen. he doesn't contribute anything particular other than scoring goals... and not wonder goals that come out of nothing [like Sheva used to do]; mostly simple tap ins.

Ancelotti: Sheva to ruin Pompey's Euro expedition

Portsmouth have been warned that £30million Chelsea reject Andriy Shevchenko could be the man to ruin their big UEFA Cup night against AC Milan at Fratton Park tomorrow.

Milan's legendary head coach Carlo Ancelotti has the Ukrainian striker, 32, back on loan at the San Siro after two miserable seasons at Stamford Bridge where he scored just nine Premier League goals.

And although Shevchenko, who has still been troubled by a groin injury, has scored only once for Milan in his second spell with them and appeared for a total of only 128 minutes, Ancelotti insists: "He is still one of the best strikers in the world.

"He will start against Portsmouth and I'm hopeful he will play a great game. He has worked very hard getting fit.''

Ancelotti took a swipe at Chelsea's treatment of Shevchenko even though he conceded they paid the right market price for him

He said: "Chelsea always play with just one central striker and two wingers so Shevchenko was never going to take (Didier) Drogba's place in that system.

"But they bought a high-quality striker and I don't think he was allowed to express himself to the full. The money they paid was good value at the time.''

Ancelotti confirmed Brazilian ace Kaka, who is suspended for Sunday's Serie A clash with Genoa, will start alongside Shevchenko against Pompey and that former Arsenal pair, centre-back Philippe Senderos and Mathieu Flamini, will also be in the line-up.

But Ronaldinho will be on the substitutes' bench - from where he came on to hit an 89th-minute winner against Portugal's Sporting Braga in the UEFA Cup last month.

That was their second win, having beaten Heerenveen 3-1 in Holland and Ancelotti, who has left veteran skipper Paolo Maldini resting back in Milan, said: "We are confident we can seal qualification for the next round here.''

Pompey, having crashed 3-0 in Braga in their only previous Group E match, already face a tough fight to finish in the top three of the five-team second-round section and reach the last 32 knockout stage - especially as stars like Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra, Niko Kranjcar and skipper Sol Campbell are all out tomorrow night through injuries.

But Ancelotti conceded: "We know all about Portsmouth and they are a strong side at home. They will also have the crowd behind them which will be very beneficial but we have travelled everywhere and I believe we will not be intimidated.''

"The dressing rooms at Portsmouth may be small and the stadium a little old-fashioned English ground but the pitch is in good condition and when it comes to scoring goals that is what is important.''

Where's Kurt?!

But Ronaldinho will be on the substitutes' bench - from where he came on to hit an 89th-minute winner against Portugal's Sporting Braga in the UEFA Cup last month.

What a sig, acid. I LOVE IT

Thank you. Nothing beats a Clint Eastwood in his prime!

Pity he played in my second favorite western of all time [The Good, the Bad and the Ugly], not the first [Once Upon a Time in the West]. but he's still without a doubt the undisputed #1 western actor in the history of cinema!

[Did you finally watch it btw?]

There is a movies thread. Stop cluttering up one of, if not, THE most important threads on the forum.

There is a movies thread. Stop cluttering up one of, if not, THE most important threads on the forum.

That's the million dollar question: Been planning to. Though I've seen trailers, and yes Claudia Cardinale is stunning in that. I also recall you posting that Youtube clip of it. I'll let you know once I get around seeing it, and we'll see which one is better.

IMPORTANT MOMENT
12/10/2008 4:19:00 PM
Andriy Shevchenko today at Milanello. His words are on Rino Gattuso, on the team, on his condition and on Sunday’s rivals, both as a group and individual players.

MILANELLO – This is Andriy Shevchenko, today, at Milan Channel. Very often protagonist of games between Milan and Juventus, many times decisive. However, Sheva started from Gattuso: “It was a big surprise for us this injury. On Sunday Rino had finished the game, he was fundamental as always. I’m very sorry for what happened to him. He's a leader for us, we shall feel a lot his absence. For some of our players, especially in midfielder, this is an important moment, but the thing I mostly want to do now is to wish Rino a speedy recovery. I’m convinced that already from the rehabilitation phase, his presence at Milanello will be important.”

The Andriy spoke about the team and himself: “After two defeats it was very important to obtain a result in front of our public and we managed to do so against Catania. Now we must continue, we will all be very happy to obtain a good result in Turin on Sunday against Juventus. I’m fine, I’m reaching my best condition. I scored in the Coppa Italian and I created chances in the elague. I feel much better and I feel able to give my contribution to the team.”

Then on Juventus: “A game like this is the most important in Italy in terms of wins. The two teams who won most in Italy and on the international scene will be facing each other. Now in the standings we have the same number of points, both teams want to win and it will be tough for us as well as for them. The Scudetto? The road is still long, we at Milan must always play to win. Me and Nedved Golden Ball winners of 2003 and 2004? Yes, important years, Nedved is a great player, he had a great career. I recently read that he regrets never to have played a Champions League final and I understand him perfectly. However he still gave a lot to his national team and the same Juventus in the Champions League.”