Sheva: Kaka is the best

Andrei Shevchenko has dubbed former Milan team-mate Kaka as the best in the world.

Andrei Shevchenko has dubbed former Milan team-mate Kaka as the best in the world ahead of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

When asked, in an interview in La Gazzetta dello Sport, to choose between Brazil international Kaka and Portugal's Ronaldo, Shevchenko did not hesitate.

"Kaka is the strongest player in the world," he said.

"He deserves the Ballon D'Or (European Player of the Year award) and I'm certain he will get it, if not this time maybe in the not-too-distant future."

Shevchenko believes his former club still have a better chance of qualifying for the Champions League final despite trailing 3-2 from the first leg of their semi-final tie at Old Trafford.

"At Manchester, Milan played exceptional football in the first half and were hindered with the injuries to Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini," he said.

"Milan are a likeable team because they always play beautiful games.

"They play open football and in the Champions League they have played better. There is a respect for their top players and for the club.

"Milan have what it takes to progress to the final."

The 30-year-old admits it would be an emotional game for him should Chelsea face Milan in the final, adding: "For me it would be a thrilling evening and complicated, because Milan is not my former team but a family, a part of my life."

Meanwhile, Milan goalkeeper Dida has come under heavy criticism from the fans after his performance in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

The 33-year-old, who was applauded for his part in the shoot-out win over Juventus in the 2003 Champions League final, went from hero to villain after his series of errors led to goals for Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in the first leg.

One fan even listed the player on eBay, with the Brazilian selling for a measly ‚é¼71 after 25 bids before being removed from the auction.