AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has finally spoken out on the Carlos Tevez transfer saga saying that the Argentine has the choice between joining a prestigious side like Milan or moving to a club that is able to meet his financial requirements.
Commanding a weekly wage of £200,000, Tevez does not come cheap and it is this fact that it the bone of contention between his club City and Milan. The only other club that has emerged as a challenger to Milan is French club PSG.
“Carlos Tevez faces a choice between prestige and money. AC Milan is the prestige,” Berlusconi told reporters before the teams annual Christmas dinner party.
His deputy Adriano Galliani who had earlier met with the player’s agent and confirmed that a deal had been arrived at, echoed Berlusconi’s sentiments saying that Milan would not get into a bidding war with PSG.
“Our offer is final. If they [PSG] make a better offer, we will not counter it,”he said.
Berlusconi also touched on news concerning Alexander Pato who has struggled to assert himself in the squad with injuries and fitness levels taking a toll on his form.
“[Alexandre] Pato is a great player but in recent times he has not been at his best. We see him a lot on the right but he should play more in the centre. In football, goals are what win it and we should serve him,” he said.
This statement raises questions about Pato’s future. In fact rumours have it that Chelsea are keen on signing the striker and will make an offer for him in the transfer window.
I Personally think Milan can’t afford to lose Pato. The 22 year old striker has scored 51 goals in 108 appearances for the Rossoneri and has always maintained that he does not intend to leave the club until after 2014.
Their is no doubt over his abilities and it would be definitely a hard blow to take for his many loyal fans should he leave. Berlusconi also revealed that the club was looking to renew coach Allegri’s contract.
“We will be looking to renew the contract of Allegri. This Milan side are designed to win all competitions,” he concluded. Only time will tell whether Tevez eventually joins Milan, however, i would not hold my breath.
Photo Credit © cvrcak1
