Blues blamed over Crespo

Milan have insisted that Chelsea are to blame for Hernan Crespo's failed move.

Crespo looks almost certain to return to Stamford Bridge after spending last season on loan in Italy.

The Argentine's agent even stated that Crespo would be heading back to West London, despite the fact the player himself has stated he is still in the dark over his future.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed why the move for Crespo stumbled, which eventually led to The Rossoneri sealing a deal with Christian Vieri.

"It's true that at Hernan's wedding on May 16 I formally took the responsibility to see that the player would remain at Milan," Galliani told the club's website.

"It was a promise that I was the first to want to fulfil.

"But the negotiations with Chelsea have had too many obstacles and nothing was ever completed.

"This was certainly not my fault, the transfer market has certain rules that apply and you cannot lose time.

"Chelsea have no intention of letting Crespo leave their club.

"We waited until the meeting between Hidalgo and [Chelsea's chief executive Peter] Kenyon but unfortunately once again we found ourselves without a conclusion.

"I am saddened for Hernan," Galliani added.

"But we simply couldn't take the risk of losing precious time because otherwise any other club could have tried to get Vieri and we couldn't take that risk.

"When it became clear that the Crespo deal was a no-go, I decided to act quickly and with Vieri we have completed our attacking line-up."

Galliani also revealed that Milan would not be pursuing their interest in Alberto Gilardino.

"Parma are continuing to ask ‚é¼30 million euros for Gilardino and at that price we will not buy him," Galliano said.

"As the days progress this matter gets even more complicated."

Meanwhile for Crespo, he is growing increasingly unhappy as it dawns on him that he will be back at Chelsea - but he seems to have few options left open to him.

"Until my agent Fernando Hidalgo calls me to tell me my future destination I will stay here," said Crespo from Italy.

"He admits staying with Milan had been starting to look increasing unlikely as the summer progressed.

"Ten days ago I said that the optimism was fading away and as time went by, I knew that it would have been very difficult for me to remain in Milan.

"I'm very happy for Vieri, he has been a good friend of mine ever since we played together at Inter.

"I am happy that he has achieved a dream by joining Milan and I wish him the best of luck in scoring goals because he is a great striker and an extraordinary person."