Berlusconi: my team will go all the way

AC MILAN president Silvio Berlusconi is convinced his team will go all the way in the Champions League after watching them tame Manchester United.

The Rossoneri stunned the Red Devils on Wednesday night to book a place in the final in Athens on May 23.

“When Milan plays with an offensive willingness as we did against United, there is only one possible result and that is the win,” said Berlusconi.

The reward for Milan’s heroics is a meeting with Liverpool and the opportunity to avenge their bitter defeat in the 2005 final in Istanbul. Then Liverpool won the title after a penalty shoot-out, having bounced back from a 3-0 half-time deficit in arguably the most exciting final in the history of Europe’s elite club competition.

Berlusconi believes that this time his men will get the job done. We will be stars in Italy, in Europe and in the world,” said Berlusconi. “We will win the cup which we handed to Liverpool two years ago.’’

Berlusconi’s enthusiasm is understandable considering that few could have anticipated Milan reaching the final in Athens having endured a nightmare start to the campaign. The Rossoneri began the Serie A season with an eight-point deduction for match-fixing and had to go through pre-qualifying in the Champions League.

“We are stronger than jealousy, stronger than misfortune and stronger than injustice,” said Berlusconi.

“After a difficult start to the season, where we were punished for not doing anything wrong, we have not forgotten our main mission, which is to win.”

Berlusconi hailed Kaka, who has been Milan’s undisputed star in recent years. The Brazilian midfielder struck three of Milan’s five goals in the semi-final tie against United and is currently the top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.

“Kaka merits the golden ball award,” said the Rossoneri supremo. “I’m sure he will stay with us for a long time.”

Meanwhile Paolo Maldini will put a knee operation on hold to play in his eighth Champions League final.

The veteran defender missed the San Siro clash after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained in the first leg.

“Had we lost against Manchester United, I would have undergone knee surgery,” said Maldini. “But I really want to try to play my eighth Champions League final of my career.”

Maldini admitted it was painful to have to watch the game from the stands instead of being on the pitch, but claimed his team-mates made him proud. “I am now used to it,” he said. “But I knew my team was in good condition. I am very proud to be the captain of Milan.”

He revealed: “I have thought about the final of Istanbul for at least a year, even though two years have gone by.

“Liverpool are a team that have no fear and I hope to be available.”