Manchester United Vs AC Milan Italian reaction

By European Football
February 24 2005

Old Trafford must just be about one on AC Milan’s favourite stadiums around Europe, they lifted the Champions league cup itself there and now gain an important away victory, in their quest to lift it again. Now to reaction from the players:

Manuel Rui Costa had this to say on the match: 'It was a beautiful evening, an important victory and the pitch was really heavy. However, Milan knew that they couldn't lose what they wanted to do in this game for the whole 90 minutes. We know that this is the first half but we are confident of the result.'

Hernan Crespo, who scored Milan's winner at Manchester, said: ‘A difficult game because Sheva is the Golden Ball winner and we felt his absence…a very complicated game, and even if we won, it was just the first 90 minutes, we can't undervalue the return match.'

'I always try to be in front of the goal, when the chance comes, I must be ready. Maybe there are no occasions, but one never knows, like this evening…’

A beautiful gift for everyone at the club, especially for coach, Carlo Ancelotti who has a special rapport with Crespo. He said: 'The coach bet on me, I am repaying his trust.'

Clarence Seedorf said: ’It was a great win, we looked for it with great determination and convinction, I also think it was a great game. We realy did well to hold possession against a well-organised team, difficult to face. We are very happy, this victory is a reward for our hard word and gives us great enthusiasm and confidence.'

But the one sour note was the none return of Jaap Stam who stated:

’I couldn't play due to a thigh problem, I was fine but then I felt pain while warming-up before the game. I admit that I had already had symptoms against Cagliari. The important thing, however, is tonight's victory.'

Sandro Nesta gave a brief but interesting comment: 'These are very important evenings... We are really satisfied, it was a good game. In the first half we had some difficulties, especially in the opening minutes, then we placed well on the pitch and improved after the restart. We did well. Manchester also played a positive game, it will be very very hard in the return match.'

And finally to a man that was playing Serie A Football, when Wayne Rooney was busy being born Paolo Maldini,who said: 'It was a difficult game, we were well-placed and our pressure made things difficult for Manchester. Now the derby comes, an extraordinary match, but only those who are strong enough to face the impact of such tough games within few days can progress.'