Milan accept Drogba defeat

Italian giants not confident of luring Chelsea star

Last updated: 5th May 2008

Didier Drogba Chelsea Newcastle 2008

Drogba: No Milan deal

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Milan may have landed Mathieu Flamini but they are less confident of luring Didier Drogba from Chelsea.

Arsenal had hoped to persuade the France international to sign a new deal at Emirates Stadium but the midfielder elected to quit North London in order to move to Italy.

Flamini has agreed a switch to Milan in a deal which will begin on 1st July, with his last appearance in an Arsenal shirt to come against Sunderland on Sunday.

Speculation has suggested Milan are to follow up the capture of Flamini with a second capital raid, with Drogba having long been mooted as a possible target.

However, Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida does not anticipate the Ivory Coast international to follow on the path trod by Flamini.

"Drogba is a very interesting player that many clubs would want to have but he is under contract at Chelsea and I believe he will remain at Chelsea next season."

As for Flamini, Braida revealed Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is a great admirer of the 24-year-old.

"I have to say Flamini was a player that Ancelotti really wanted and Milan is like a family, where decisions are made jointly," he said.

"Flamini is not an unknown player. Just like Didier Drogba isn't.

"I'm not surprised by his talent and I assume several teams would have wanted his services.

Easy decision

"Although no negotiations are ever easy, it wasn't difficult to convince Flamini to join Milan.

"Flamini has made a choice as his contract with Arsenal is coming to an end and we are delighted he has chosen Milan.

"He is a very good player and he can offer a lot to the team."

Flamini expressed his joy at the move after finalising terms with the San Siro outfit.

"I am extremely happy. Thanks a million," he said.