After his potential move to Chelsea broke down, the Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed Carlo Ancelotti's disappointment not sealing a deal. "Ancelotti didn't take it so well," Pirlo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I spoke to him and he understood. I told him [the Milan manager] Leonardo had dug his heels in and this is a source of pride for me."
Milan's owner, Silvio Berlusconi, turned down Chelsea's offer for Pirlo this week, saying the 30-year-old would remain at the club for the remainder of his career. The coach, Leonardo, too, was determined to keep the midfielder after the departure of Kaká, the team's other creative force, to Real Madrid.
However Pirlo said his decision to remain in Italy was founded on the club's renewed ambition. Critics have suggested Milan have relied too heavily on ageing players, such as of Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso, after two low key seasons. However Pirlo believes Milan will challenge for the Serie A title this season.
"If I thought Milan's aim was a good place in the standings I'd be at Chelsea now," Pirlo said. "I want to win. That's not just words. I'm convinced this is possible. You'll see what the historic group can do. We'll make everyone rethink and eat lots of criticism."
Pirlo was also confident his side would deal with the loss of Kaká and the retired captain Paolo Maldini. "Obviously the absence of Kaká and Maldini will be felt, but each one of us will give a bit more," he said. "Their goodbyes closed a chapter, now it's time to write another and I'm happy to be here to try."