Milan complete Shevchenko swoop and close in on Senderos

AC MILAN last night confirmed that Andriy Shevchenko has completed his return to the club after passing a medical where he will be joined by Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos.

Swiss defender Senderos is expected to undergo a medical at AC Milan today before joining the Italian giants on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent deal.

Senderos has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium following the surprise capture of Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United last week.

Newcastle United and Milan have both been mooted as potential suitors for the 23-year-old as he seeks regular first-team football in the new season.

However, despite Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti ruling out a move for the defender on Saturday it now looks like Senderos will link up with former Arsenal teammate Mathieu Flamini at the San Siro.

Shevchenko touched down in Italy on Sunday night after Chelsea agreed terms with the Serie A side on Saturday on a deal to take Shevchenko back to Milan – the club he represented for seven seasons between 1999 and 2006.

The deal was only awaiting a medical but a Milan spokesman confirmed last night that the 31-year-old had come through it successfully.

Shevchenko endured a difficult two years in London following a big-money transfer from the Rossoneri, finding the net just nine times in two Premier League campaigns.

But after completing his return to the Italian side – where he remains the club’s second all-time top goalscorer – the forward was quick to thank the Chelsea followers for their support.

“I’m so very happy to be here,” he said.

“At this very special moment for me, I really want to send a message to the Chelsea fans who in the past two years have always made me feel their support. A heartfelt thank you for that.”

Shevchenko’s delight to be back in Milan has been shared by Rossoneri playing staff and directors alike.

Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf and Kakha Kaladze have all spoken of their glee at the move, while star player

Kaka revealed he was “extra happy that Sheva has returned”.

Vice-president Adriano Galliani also expressed his joy at seeing the Ukrainian back among the squad, and insists his return was not solely due to club owner Silvio Berlusconi’s close relationship with the player.

“This is a family and we’re all happy,” he said.

“It’s not true that only Silvio Berlusconi insisted that Andriy return. I’ve put my weight behind the cause too and I’m happy that in the end we’ve succeeded in bringing him home.”