Rui Costa admits Nedved relief
RUI COSTA has admitted his delight that Juventus star Pavel Nedved is missing for the Champions League final against his Milan side.
The former Fiorentina talisman has shown the form this season that prompted Milan to pay £26 million for his services - and is one of the key men behind the Rossoneri's progression through to the final of the European Cup.
The Portuguese international talked about the tournament in an exclusive interview with planetfootball.com - and was in good spirits ahead of Wednesday's key clash.
"I have already decided what I will do in the aftermath of the final," joked Rui Costa. "I will say to Alex Del Piero, 'don't cry it doesn't matter that you have lost'.
"Seriously though I think that having two Italian sides in the final has shown that we have learned our lessons.
"After last year's mistakes we now understand that we needed to change and here we are, back to our best.
"The Spanish press may have called us very defensive but I think this is wrong.
"We are in the final and scored a lot of goals on the way.
"Yes we are cynical and we defend well, but that is not a negative thing.
"Juve are an impressive side, compact and very solid."
Nedved picked up a yellow card in the semi-final against Real Madrid that means he will miss the game - and Rui Cosa admits he is relieved.
"From a sporting point of view it is a shame that he misses such a big game, but from Milan's point of view it is a good thing for us."
Friend and compatriot Luis Figo missed a crucial penalty against Juventus that could have meant Real meeting Milan in the final.
"I called him immediately after the game and said only a few words," added Rui Costa. "I said 'forget about it'."