Van Basten : "Milan Are Old"

Marco Van Basten who spent six years with Milan as a player is in Italy for Ajax's UEFA Cup Third Round match with Fiorentina tomorrow night.

When asked what his impressions were of the current Milan team, Van Basten replied: “It's an interesting team that is good to watch, I say that with sincerity. But Milan give me the impression of being a little old,” Van Basten added, no doubt referring to the likes of Paolo Maldini, Giuseppe Favalli and even David Beckham.

“Today's Milan are completely different from mine. That Milan commanded the championship. Inter commands it now. We have to admit it.”

Van Basten then returned to the matter at hand, tomorrow night's game with Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi, the stadium in which his Milan once scored seven goals.

“I remember that day well,” Van Basten smiled. “It's not easy to forget when your part of team that scores seven times in one match.”

The former World Player of the Year continues to speak good Italian and was asked whether he would one day consider coaching in Italy.

“I need time to grow and I am not thinking about Italy or any other country at the moment. I need to concentrate on Ajax and then we will see how this story ends,” Van Basten concluded.

18/02/2009 Friendly:
MILAN ORGANIZE QATAR FRIENDLY

Milan have organised a lucrative friendly with Qatari side Al Sadd on Wednesday March 4 at the Jassim Bin Hamad stadium in Doha.

Milan have frequently planned such fixtures this season to take the place of the Champions League football they are used to.

“An agreement has been reached to dispute a friendly with Milan as the protagonist on Wednesday March 4,” read a statement on Milan's website.

“The stars of AC Milan will play against Al Sadd sports club at the Jassim Bin Hamad stadium in Doha, in the emirate of Qatar at 1900 local time. Al Sadd are one of three teams fighting it out for the title in the Qatari national championship,” the statement added.

“The friendly represents an important chance for the people of the Middle East to watch and admire the champions of Milan.”

Sandwiched between the friendly are two fixtures in Serie A, the first being against Sampdoria on March 1, the second against Atalanta on March 8.