Sheva's team-mates sorry to see him go
Andriy Shevchenko’s soon-to-be-former team-mates have revealed their heartache at the end of the striker’s seven-year spell at AC Milan.
The Ukrainian ended weeks of speculation yesterday by confirming he wants to leave the club and the Rossoneri are now expecting an approach from Chelsea.
Fellow striker Filippo Inzaghi, who joined the club two years after Shevchenko, said: “I am saddened but if this is his wish we have to respect it.
“Chelsea are reinforcing themselves but Milan will remain a great club and are still not inferior to anyone in Europe.”
The youngsters at the San Siro have also voiced their regret at the 29-year-old’s impending departure, revealing that he has been an inspiration to their progress as footballers.
Alberto Gilardino, 23, said: “Sheva helped me a lot to adapt to life at AC Milan.
“I remember he spoke to me before training once and told me to play comfortably and not too worry too much about scoring goals because sooner or later they would come.”
Brazil international Kaka, 24, added: “I am saddened that Shevchenko is leaving because I am losing a great friend.
“I called him on Thursday to see what the situation was and I hoped that he would have decided to stay but instead he has left.
“It’s clear that in this story we are all losers, me, the fans and Milan because they will never have a greater player than him.”
