Milan - we are keeping up with United

Italian champions AC Milan claim they are keeping pace with Manchester United and Real Madrid as the European giants market their clubs around the world.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani announced after a meeting with club sponsors that the Rossoneri’s growing overseas presence had helped them generate more than €55 million in revenue already for the 2004/2005 campaign.

“We are unique in Italy, while elsewhere we have to compete with clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United,” Galliani said.

“We are first in China, where 33% of their football fans support Milan. And we are expanding in the United States and in the Middle East.