Galliano: No change for Berlusconi at Milan

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliano has moved to quash speculation that owner Silvio Berlusconi is set to walk away from the club.

Berlusconi’s company Fininvest was handed a fine of 560 million euros by a Milan court on July 9 after an investigation into the firm uncovered corrupt activities dating back to 1991.

The Italian prime minister is a major investor in Serie A club Milan and fans are now worried that his latest financial setback could affect the club’s transfer policy.

But Galliano has hosed down speculation that Berlusconi’s legal troubles could affect his role at the reigning Italian champions.

“I’d like to reassure AC Milan supporters that Silvio Berlusconi hasn’t changed his feelings towards AC Milan: he is the leader of this club,” Galliano said.

“Nothing has changed and nothing is going to change. There hasn’t been any special meeting, this is the truth. There has only been the budget presentation, which has taken place in Arcore with owner Berlusconi and Cannatelli and Pellegrino of Fininvest and AC Milan managers. There wasn’t anything unexpected, neither any urgent meeting.”

Milan have been linked with moves for a number of high-profile players after veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo opted to join Serie A rivals Juventus.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri fielded several questions from reporters on who he may be targeting, including Sao Paulo’s Lucas, Riccardo Montolivo of Fiorentina and highly rated Santos 20-year-old Ganso.

“(Lucas) is an excellent player, but many names will surely be made from now till August 31,” Allegri said.

“We should only be focused on working with the available players and I’m very satisfied with them. In this moment the team has all necessary players. Of course, Andrea Pirlo has left the team and we should replace him, but he should be replaced with an important player.”

“Two minutes ago you told me Lucas, now Montolivo,” Allegri responded to reporters. “Ganso, then there has been Fabregas. Other names as well have been made: Pastore as well. And the list could go on forever. I’ve known most of the players since more than a year.”