FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Roberto Di Matteo on Tuesday welcomed speculation here that is linking him to AC Milan.

Di Matteo has already said that, although happy enough after two years at Stamford Bridge, he would jump at the chance to return to the Serie A. The former Lazio star was reported on Tuesday to figure on a list of possible candidates for AC Milan’s midfield next season, as new coach Alberto Zaccheroni tries to take the club back to the top.

” I’ve heard the talk about AC Milan and I don’t know what to say, other than I’m completely relaxed about it all, “ he said at Italy’s training camp. ” I’ve got a contract with Chelsea until 2002 and living in England is fine. But I wouldn’t turn down a chance to return to Italy and AC Milan, even though they are out of the European cups, are a still great club. “

Milan would apparently like Di Matteo to play alongside Demetrio Albertini, just as the two men do successfully in the Italian national side.

Milan failed to qualify even for the Inertoto Cup at the end of last season, but have asked UEFA to be put them on a waiting list should another team drop out of the summer tournament.