Shevchenko set to end love affair with Rossoneri

AC MILAN striker Andriy Shevchenko has confirmed he wants to leave the Italian club this summer.

The Ukraine international called a press conference to read a prepared statement confirming reports he may leave the San Siro after seven years.

“I want to leave,” he said. “I cannot hide my wish any longer from the fans. I have spoken to the president (Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi). No decision has been taken yet.

“This has nothing to do with money. It is a family issue. Once I have made a decision I will call another press conference,” added the 29-year-old.

Shevchenko has long been a target of Chelsea but Milan have rebuffed their approaches in the past.

Earlier yesterday, the player’s agent, Oscar Domino, admitted a move was possible. When asked if Shevchenko would move to Chelsea in the summer, Damiani said: “Everything has yet to be decided. We don’t know yet. Everything has to be discussed. It could be that he stays at Milan or that he goes.”

Berlusconi has also added to the speculation with comments carried by www.gazzetti.it, the website of Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Milan owner is reported to have said to a child who had told him Shevchenko is his favourite player: “Do you know that Shevchenko wants to leave? He wants to go to England.”

Shevchenko has helped second-placed Milan stay in the race for the Scudetto this season but has reportedly been at odds with his coach, Carlo Ancelotti, on different occasions.