No Milan plan for Ronaldo, insists boss Ancelotti
It is widely expected that Rossoneri skipper Paulo Maldini will be handed the task of shadowing Manchester United’s gifted winger — the newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year — who has been in scintillating form this season.
But Ancelotti refused to confirm if that will be the veteran defender’s role in the first-leg match.
He responded: “The Portuguese player moves from left to right and Paulo plays in the centre. We’ll have to wait and see.”
The Milan boss also refused to be drawn on whether Ronaldo or his own young star Kaka was the world’s best player.
Kaka’s countryman and soccer legend Pele this week indicated that Ronaldo had ‘to wait’ before he could claim to be better than the Milan midfielder.
“I agree they are among the top of their profession at the moment but it’s extremely difficult to say who is the best,” stated Ancelotti.
“That will be decided by the player who manages to determine the outcome of the game, and who is ready to play for the team.”
Brazil goalkeeper Dida was due to train last night at Old Trafford after suffering a shoulder injury.
Should his fitness continue to cause concern, Zeljko Kalac is likely to retain his place between the posts at OLd Trafford.
Ancelotti claims they are quietly confident even though the last Italian side to play in the stadium was thrashed 7-1. He believes they will make a better show of it than Roma and added: “We’re feeling good.
“We are certain we can do well.
“There isn’t any worry, just a great respect for the team we are going to play. Certainly the adrenalin will increase before the game but at the moment we are perfectly relaxed.”
Meanwhile, Cafu claims he has been offered a new deal by the club.
The 36-year-old Brazilian’s current deal expires at the end of the season, but Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani seems keen to extend the player’s stay in Milan.
But the defender insists he will leave the decision until the end of the season, although he has indicated he would like to remain at Milan.
The Brazilian, 36, said: “Milan gave me the good news they would like to renew my contract.
“I received other offers as well. I could have returned to Brazil but I want to remain with Milan.
“However, we will see what happens at the end of the season.
“I’m a serious professional and I take one thing at a time. I want to play for a long time more, I don’t want to retire now.”
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