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| Kaka assures he’ll be back in action for Week 2, welcomes back Andriy Shevchenko and hasn’t the slightest intention of joining Chelsea. “I am feeling much better and in the final stages of the physiotherapy,” said the Milan star who has been struggling with an inflammation of the knee tendon. “In a few days I’ll be able to start training with the squad and get ready to begin the campaign. I think that after the break for international duty I’ll be in shape to play.” It is great news for the Rossoneri, who feared a major setback after surgery on the knee in May failed to clear up this recurring problem. With Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato returning from the Olympics, Pippo Inzaghi and Marco Borriello injured, more responsibility falls on ‘new boy’ Shevchenko. “Let’s just say Sheva is a special case, as he was part of the squad and left for a brief period, but he’s back now. I don’t think he’ll have any problem settling in. “In any case, nobody has trouble at Milan, as the locker room atmosphere has always been wonderful. Everyone here is experienced, has a winning mentality, doesn’t cause trouble and there are no ego clashes. I think at the end of the day that is the team’s true strength.” There have been reports that Shevchenko’s mysterious move – the details of which have been kept “confidential” – was made possible by giving Chelsea an option on £100m-rated Kaka. “If someone has promised me to Roman Abramovich, then it certainly wasn’t me! I’m joking, of course, I have always said I am happy at Milan and while our objectives remain the same, I will stay here. “My aim is to win, so is Milan’s, and you can see that from the efforts the club is making to strengthen the squad. While we’re in this kind of condition, I will stay at Milan.” Transfer guru Adriano Galliani also point-blank denied that Kaka’s option was included in the Shevchenko move. “In the Shevchenko negotiations we never, ever discussed Kaka,” said Galliani. “The fans need to relax, because we’ve been telling them this for two years.” Another new arrival is Philippe Senderos, but Milan go into this weekend’s Serie A opener against Bologna without ever having really played as a team. “It is true that there hasn’t been a real Milan pre-season get-together,” warned Kaka in an interview with Mediaset. “Only now can we start to create our own identity. Nonetheless, this squad has won all it can in football and the primary objective is the Scudetto, even if I certainly wouldn’t mind the UEFA Cup. “Inter are the ones to beat considering all they’ve done in the last few years, though Juventus have strengthened considerably and Roma always play good football. The surprise could be Fiorentina, who can certainly repeat their excellent last campaign.” The Milan derby is in Week 5 and Kaka is already fired up to face Jose Mourinho’s side. “I like Mourinho. We’ve met a few times and everyone who works with him says he’s a great Coach. He has this particular character, but it is also amusing, as he likes to provoke people.” |