Milan stars set to stay, and go

The celebrations may be in full swing at Milan but it has not prevented two stars of the Serie A title win from pledging their loyalty to the new champions.

Strikers Filippo Inzaghi and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic have quickly said they want to stay at the club.

“I intend to renew my contract with Milan,” said Inzaghi, who has missed more than half the season since tearing ligaments in his left knee on November 10.

“I would like to take part in next season’s celebrations too,” said the veteran, who turns 38 in August.

“Unfortunately this year I had to spend a lot of time on the sidelines, which is particularly difficult for someone like me, but I’m happy to celebrate another trophy with Milan.”

“On Thursday I will resume full training with the team and hope to play the next game at San Siro.”

Inzaghi, who has made 194 appearances for the club since his transfer from Juventus 10 years ago, is one of several veterans whose contract expires on June 30.

Negotiations on a new deal were postponed until the title was secure.

“I intend to renew my contract with Milan. I hope to end my career in this side and everything points towards that being the case.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic has assured fans that his future lies with Milan.

“When I first arrived, I promised the Scudetto and once again I kept my word,” he said.

“Perhaps some will leave next season, but certainly not me. I have no intention of leaving, as I want to stay at Milan for a long time.”

But one player who has been told the exit door is open is Andrea Pirlo, whose contract is up on June 30.

Assistant manager Mauro Tassotti confirmed on Sunday that Pirlo was no longer required at Milan.

“Allegri wants a player with more defensive characteristics compared to Andrea when sitting in front of the defence,” Tassotti said.

“We wanted to see how he could do in a wider role, but then Andrea started to have injury problems that kept him off the field for many months.”

“In any case, Pirlo remains an important player not just for Milan, but for Italian football.”

It is widely expected that Pirlo will join Juventus on a free transfer, ending his 10-year stay at San Siro.