Milan determined to keep World Cup winners
Italy’s World Cup-winning duo have been linked with moves away from the San Siro as Milan prepare to start their Serie A campaign with an eight-point deduction for their involvement in the country‘s match-fixing scandal.
Braida has no intention of offloading two of the club’s prize assets and is also optimistic of keeping hold of defender Diego Simic, who has been linked with Everton.
“I think Simic will stay with us as we have some players who are still injured and we have a demanding season ahead,” said Braida. “Without doubt, Pirlo and Nesta are staying.”
Milan have already suffered one high-profile departure this summer, with talismanic striker Andriy Shevchenko joining Chelsea.
Braida admits the Ukraine forward is “impossible” to replace and refused to confirm whether Spain starlet Fernando Torres was the preferred option to fill the void.
“As for substituting Shevchenko it is impossible to find one,” said Braida. “We have to find other good alternatives as we have done in the past. Torres? I repeat, we are searching to maximum.”
Braida also played down rumours the club might be about to swoop for Ze Roberto, who has been a free agent since his contract at Bayern Munich expired this summer.
“We haven’t spoken to Ze Roberto’s agent,” said Braida. “He played well in the World Cup but we are covered in midfield.
“We are strong all over but as in the past this club can pull a surprise for our great fans at the last moment.”
One player to have already put pen to paper with the Rossoneri is Daniele Bonera, who has now linked up with the squad following his switch from Parma.
“We need a player like Bonera because we have players coming back from injury. I think he can play in all four roles. He cannot play in the Champions League preliminary round first leg as he is serving a suspension.”
Indeed, Bonero must sit out Milan’s third qualifying round first-leg tie after picking up a suspension playing for Parma against CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup two years ago.
Cork City or Red Star Belgrade are the possible opponents and Braida has already declared who he expects to meet. “If Red Star get through it will be a battle,” he said. “We know them well and the famous Marakana (stadium) of Belgrade is a very difficult ground to play at, it can hold around 70,000. Milan have to play to a high level.”
However, Milan’s Champions League participation still hangs in the balance, with UEFA yet to decide whether to eject them from the competition for their part in the match-fixing scandal.
Braida insists the club must continue to prepare as if they will be allowed to keep their place.
“We are preparing for the Champions League, then we’ll see what happens,” he said.
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