Ancelotti delighted by summer signings

CARNAGO, Italy: AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday that he was delighted with the three additions he has made to his squad as the Club World Cup holder goes in search of a first Italian title since 2004.

Ancelotti has reinforced on all parts of the field, bringing in fullback Gianluca Zambrotta and forward Ronaldinho from Barcelona as well as midfielder Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal.

"We've signed some top quality players. A great defender, an incredible midfielder and a phenomenal attacker," said Ancelotti.

Milan is desperate to mount a title challenge having finished only fifth in Serie A last season - missing out on the Champions League - and watching city rival Inter Milan claim a third Scudetto in a row.

"We're not comparing ourselves with Inter," insisted Ancelotti, "only with ourselves and the team is better than it was last season.

"Now we will see on the field who is the best."

The signing of twice former world player of the year Ronaldinho is one that Ancelotti believes could make a huge difference, but he is not expecting to have the kind of problems that have previously followed the Brazilian due to his nocturnal lifestyle.

"He's a shy lad and has come in with the minimum of fuss. He's an integral player for us even if his condition is a little bit behind the others.

"I think the Olympics could help him."

Ronaldino has been selected as part of the Brazilian Olympic squad although Milan blocked his international teammate Kaka from being a part of that.

And the seven-time European champion is still trying to fend off interest from Chelsea for the current world's best player.

Ancelotti insists he is happy at Milan, though.

"I've seen him and he seems happy, calm and serene and obviously pleased to be so well appreciated."

AFP

(China Daily 07/24/2008 page24)