Really?I find it funny ;p

Blog: Prince Charming

Milan were rumoured to be losing out on one of their players of the season, as confusion set in as to Kevin Prince Boateng’s future. Rob Paton reports

Kevin Prince Boateng’s debut season in Serie A has seen his stock rise, but as the campaign ends, doubts have crept in about where his future lays.

His impact this season has surpassed expectations, and Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical adjustments – and their success – owe a lot to the German-born midfielder. Starting the term predominantly with cameos from the bench, the work-rate and energy in his performances has seen him earn an increased involvement in first-team activity.

The former Tottenham man’s versatility, combined with a willingness to run down defenders, track back into defence, and offer consistent support as an over-lapping runner in attack, has seen him used in a number of roles on the pitch. These have varied from central midfield with more defensive responsibilities, to wing-based support in attack, to deployment as a central trequartista, either alongside a teammate between midfield and attack, or with the core attacking role just to himself.

Although only registering three goals and two assists from 22 League appearances so far, his effect on the team’s style of play is significant, and the team average a goal every 50 minutes with Boateng on the pitch.

Such has been his influence, interest has risen of his future. The confusion that surrounded his initial transfer last August has threatened to resurface amid contrasting reports of what will happen this summer.

Newspapers in Genoa believe there is an agreement that guarantees his return to Marassi this summer, but both Enrico Preziosi and Adriano Galliani have denied this, Galliani saying: “There is a gentleman’s agreement and we expect it to be upheld, and for the player to remain with Milan.”

The renewed uncertainty however, perhaps comes with side issues to consider. Speaking of the club’s intentions to balance the books in light of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, Galliani’s primary focus is clear: “We must of course reduce the overheads, because the 1 January 2012 falls, with regards to the European trophies, on the first three years of Financial Fair Play. In view of this, for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, we can lose a maximum of €45m.”

Significant then are Milan’s posted losses this week for 2010 of €69.8m – an increase of €60m from the 12 months prior. So too are delays over Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Nesta signing reduced deals, Ronaldinho’s departure to save on an €8m salary, and Mark Van Bommel’s cut-price contract – all signs the club are taking measures to save on running costs. Given the club have committed €24m to secure Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2011, concern has naturally turned to Boateng’s future.

The two clubs are set for a busy summer of negotiations as it is – Boateng’s name alongside the likes of Alberto Paloschi, Marco Amelia and Giacomo Beretta on a long list of players on loan or co-ownership agreements between the parties. The clubs remain on good terms, with even Marco Borriello and Miguel Veloso rumoured in recent weeks to be involved in future cross-table talks between Galliani and Preziosi.

However, Boateng remains the primary discussion, and fans can take heart that despite a challenging summer in store for Galliani that raises doubts over a few other rumoured directions in the market, that the cost of a Prince is not distracting him from securing one of Milan’s most consistent players.

Football italia.net

How much did we pay to co-own him to start with?

Had I been told we'd buy him for 10m-12m last summer I'd have said Galliani needs to be sent into an asylum, but he's been pretty damn good this season.

Had I been told we'd buy him for 10m-12m last summer I'd have said Galliani needs to be sent into an asylum, but he's been pretty damn good this season.

Yeah, but you never can tell. WC isn't the most reliable tournament, I think 2002 learn us all. If it would be, then Elhadji Diouf, Fadiga, Ahn and a few others would not have been major failiures.

In all honesty they never impressed me to the extent KPB did, his work rate and efficiency was excellent. Plus my judgement wasn't solely made through the WC, that just proved he could do it on a big stage imo.

Sorry, but Diouf had a better WC then Boateng, you sure must have noticed?

Around €5 million, I think.

Galliani confirms Boateng deal

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has confirmed that he will sign Kevin-Prince Boateng on a permanent basis from Genoa.

The Ghana international midfielder has been a revelation in his first season in Serie A.

He is currently co-owned by Genoa, but his impact has been so great that Milan have made his transfer a priority ahead of this summer.

Asked about the Boateng deal, Galliani said: “He is our player. Genoa's stake has been valued at €6m, which will rise to €7m in case Milan win the Scudetto.

“The deal was already defined in a restaurant some months ago in Rio de Janeiro.”

He was what, 21, and became already important for Lens. Prior to that he played for Rennes. I wouldn't call it aimlessly going from club to club. Boateng at the age of 24 and Diouf at the same age exchanged exactly the same amount of clubs.

Really? I thought in the WC he was excellent for Ghana and bearing in mind the figures that get chucked around nowadays an excellent piece of business, even then.

In all honesty in most of the Portsmouth games I saw he did well, granted it was only Portsmouth but still.

But 8.5m euros is a very good price if what X-Off says is true.

Click. Check out the first line of the second paragraph.

Prince kept both his promises, he did the moon walk and he got his Milan Scudetto tattoo!

He does have a sh*tload of tattoos though.

I wish he'd stop his idiotic and annoying theatrics.

I wish he'd stop his idiotic and annoying theatrics.

You mean that kung-fu celebration? It was so stupid...

Just as when we lifted the trophy Pato made fun of Chinese/Asian eyes

I don't believe it's making fun of, but more like 'paying tribute to the crowd for the support they received'

I'm Ambro's biggest fan, but that's disgraceful. Both he, Pato and anyone else who did it ought to be very ashamed and punished by the club.

It's part of his personality,you shouldn't stress on changing someone if it's not in your accepted norms.That's what's stupid for me.That's the way he deal with stuff,what's wrong with it?

I only said I wish he'd stop... he'd probably find something I do idiotic and annoying... there's nothing wrong with it.

Agreed. Milan players shouldn't make fun of their fans like that. It's embarrassing. Lots of fans who bought Milan shirts, tickets, etc, showing huge support to them, and get being insulted in return. :facepalm:

I really don't think they meant it in that way. They certainly weren't trying to make fun of anyone, I'm 100% sure on that. Like I said in the Pato thread, they were doing it as a shout out to the fans over in China who showed their support. Was it a smart way to do that? Probably not, but let's not make such a huge deal of it and try to twist it into something it's not

Totally agreed .. Why cant you always say stuff like this?

Totally agreed .. Why cant you always say stuff like this?