Italian football giants AC Milan consider the inaugural Emirates Challenge Cup against Fabio Cannavaro-led Al Ahli a “very important test” of their winter training programme here in Dubai.
The Serie A leaders are delighted to be in Dubai away from the freezing conditions in Milan and are looking forward to the challenge of taking on one of the top sides in the UAE Pro-League on Sunday.
“We are excited to be here in Dubai as we prepare for our upcoming season. We know this match will provide us with the challenge we need to be the top of our division this upcoming season. And to be playing in a city with such avid football fans it will be an exciting evening for all,” said AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri.
“In Milan at the moment it’s freezing. So it’s favourable condition here for in Dubai for training. We look forward to enjoying the warm weather and the first class training facilities provided to us here in Dubai this week and are thankful to Emirates for their support,” he added.
This match will prove to be an exciting challenge for both teams, as AC Milan prepares for the second half of the 2011 season and Al Ahli has the chance to test their skills against the world’s most successful club.
“It is going to be a tough challenge taking on AC Milan, yet we are ready and confident that all spectators will be thrilled with the match and the quality of football on the field,” said Italian-born Al Ahli captain Cannavaro.
“Our squad is fired up and ready to have a friendly match against such an international field of superstar players,” he said at a press conference at Emirates’ Headquarters in Dubai on Wednesday.
“There is no bigger motivation than playing against a club which boasts some of the top players and has won many trophies,” said Cannavaro who starred for Napoli, Parma and Juventus before moving to Real Madrid.
“It will be a very different game and a very challenging one playing against the likes of (Gennaro) Gattuso and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic,” said Italy’s World Cup winning captain.
Talking of his experience of Dubai, Cannavaro said there are many opportunities for international stars to come to the UAE. “I will advise people like Ronaldinho to come and play in Dubai,” he said of the troubled Brazilian player who has been the subject of a sale during the January transfer period.
However, Milan coach Allegro squashed speculations about Ronaldinho’s future by saying that he was still very much a part of the club.
“He is in a good state of mind and works hard like everybody else. As long he has the Milan identity, he will be considered a Milan player,” he said.
Al Ahli coach David O’Leary said it would be a fantastic experience for the local players.
“I just want my players to honestly go out and enjoy the moment and hopefully not get embarrassed and let themselves down,” said the former Arsenal and Leeds United star.
“My boss is a Milan fan and absolutely loves them. It is fantastic for him to see the team which he supported for so long come and play at his football club and see the wonderful players,” added the former Leeds United and Aston Villa manager.
With the likes of the Brazilian superstars Ronaldino and Robinho, as well as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pato in the AC Milan squad, football fans in Dubai are going to watch some of the world’s footballing elite take on the local club, who currently sit at third equal in the UAE football league.
“We are delighted to be actually playing against AC Milan which is one of the best clubs in the world. It is a good chance for our players to play against them,” said Ahmed Khalifah Al Hammed, CEO of Al Ahli club.
“This is a rare opportunity for football fans to catch the stars in action as they prepare for their upcoming season and have the chance to play one of our top local clubs,” added Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice-President, Airport Services.
“It is particularly special that representatives of the team have come to Emirates Headquarters - the heart of the airline and the home of football sponsorship. We know you enjoy coming here and it’s great to have you back. I’m sure all the players will appreciate the beautiful warm Dubai weather,” he said.
“This is the third time that Emirates has brought AC Milan to Dubai for a winter training tour. The first time was in 2007 when we first started their sponsorship relationship. In 2008, we became a Top Institutional Sponsor and last February we announced the ultimate, Fly Emirates shirt sponsor status. You may remember the fantastic scenes in July when we took an Emirates’ A380 to Milan for the shirt unveiling ceremony,” he said.
“This latest trip by AC Milan to Dubai will no doubt create more great moments for fans to enjoy with names such as Ronaldinho, Robinho, Seedorf, Pato and latest signing, Cassano, all in town. It doesn’t get much better,” added Mattar.
To enable football enthusiasts to get extra close to the stars, the training sessions each day at Al Ahli club are open to the public from 9-11am and 3-5pm. Entrance is free.
Sunday’s match is scheduled to kickoff at 8.00 pm at Al Ahli Club’s Rashid Stadium located in Al Quasais.
Regular ticket prices are Dh100-150 for adults and Dh50-75 for children under 12. They are on sale from Virgin Megastores, Timeout/ITP Ticketline https://www.itp.net/tickets/ and Emirates Group HQ opposite Terminal 3.
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