Ancelotti admires Gerrard

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken of his admiration for Steven Gerrard.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken of his admiration for Steven Gerrard, with the Liverpool captain revealing he will discuss his future after the UEFA Champions League final.

Gerrard's long-term future at Anfield continues to be the subject of some speculation, with Premiership champions Chelsea widely expected to renew their interest in the midfielder in the summer.

But Liverpool's Champions League opponents Milan have now been linked with a swoop for the England international after his ability drew praise from Ancelotti.

The Rossoneri boss concedes he is a huge fan of the Reds skipper and intimated he would make a bid for Gerrard, should he become available.

"Steven Gerrard is undoubtedly one of the best midfield players in the world," said Ancelotti. "Of course any top club would want him in their side.

"I like him very much, he is a wonderful player. Right now he is a Liverpool player and I am not going to upset Liverpool by talking any more about him.

"But it will be different if he decides in the summer that he wants to leave Liverpool."

Gerrard, though, is refusing to allow his focus to become distracted from vanquishing Milan in Istanbul on Wednesday and plans discussions about his future after the final.

"I've said it before, and I repeat it, we will talk about my future after May 25," Gerrard told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Once back from Istanbul I will sit around a table with coach Rafa Benitez and Liverpool's chief executive Rick Parry. Then you will know.

"Now, the only thing that counts is the final with Milan."

Gerrard could not hide his desire to lift the Champions League trophy for his boyhood club but acknowledged The Reds will be underdogs in the final.

He continued: "It will be a do-or-die night. The stakes are really high.

"Ever since Gerard Houllier made me captain I have dreamed of lifting a trophy for Liverpool and this time it is the greatest one.

"In my opinion Milan are the best European team but, at this point, we can win.

"It will be a really close match. We are preparing different options. It's easy to say 'let's attack' but, against Milan, putting too much on attack means taking a big risk."