AC Milan to open new chapter

(GETTY IMAGES)

AC Milan have vowed to recover swiftly from the loss of prize asset Kaka to Real Madrid.

The Brazil star ended his six-year spell at the San Siro after agreeing to join the Spanish side on Monday but, although admitting the loss is a major blow, the Rossoneri believe they can still challenge for honours without Kaka.

The 27-year-old helped Milan win one Serie A crown and the Champions League on one occasion following his arrival in 2003 from Sao Paulo.

"AC Milan thanks the man and the champion for his decisive contribution in the many wins obtained in the six years of his Rossoneri stay," read a club statement.

"The technical loss, despite being serious, can be overcome. But it will be very difficult to fill the emptiness that the man Kaka, an example of effort and professionalism.

"AC Milan wishes him the most cordial and affectionate good luck for the continuation of his sports career."

Elsewhere, Coach Delio Rossi has confirmed his departure from Lazio after four years in charge in the Italian capital.

The 48-year-old led his side to Coppa Italia glory this season, but appeared to have fallen out of favour with Lazio president Claudio Lotito in recent times.

Rossi told a specially-convened press conference: "For me it's difficult to announce that I have ended my relationship with Lazio after four years.

"It is not an easy choice, but one well thought out, because lately I have understood that I am no longer at the centre of Lazio's tactical project.

"My decision was made a long time ago, but it was not possible to do a press conference before now.

"I want to thank everyone at the club, especially the players.

"I think I have worked well in the past few years and I leave full of memories, the last one, the Coppa Italia title with almost 70,000 fans celebrating."

Sampdoria expect to start the new season with star striker Antonio Cassano still in their ranks.

The Italy international has been linked with several moves away from the Luigi Ferraris after successfully rehabilitating his turbulent career this season.

But Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone is confident that Cassano will remain at the club next season.

He said: "I think Cassano will remain in Genoa.

"I've heard that Inter want him but in recent hours I have read that (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic could stay at Inter.

"Antonio can express his game better in a team in which he has no competition."

Meanwhile, Brazil forward Julio Baptista has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by AS Roma fans.

Baptista earned mixed reviews for his first season at the Stadio Olimpico after starting only two thirds of the Rome club's matches during a disappointing Serie A campaign.

But the former Sevilla and Real Madrid star has pledged to return a stronger force for the Giallorossi next summer following a year of injury niggles.

"I have had some problems this year at Roma, but despite that I have always managed to play well when coming on and this is why (Carlos) Dunga continues to call me for Brazil," he said.

"The people at Roma love me and I want to give them many great satisfactions."