REVENGE NOT ON AGENDA INSISTS KAKA

AC Milan playmaker Kaka insists that the Rossoneri are not being fuelled by revenge, but admits they do fear one man – Steven Gerrard.

The sides meet next week in a repeat of the 2005 final that saw the Reds come from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties. Memories of that night in Istanbul still haunt Milan, and there have been suggestions that Carlo Ancelotti's team will be consumed by a revenge mission in Athens.

However, Champions League top-scorer Kaka believes the Serie A giants will purely be focused on bringing a seventh European Cup back to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

“For me the motivation is to once again get to a final, and have the possibility of winning the Champions League. Everyone is talking about a revenge for what happened in 2005. It happened, we lost that final and Liverpool were the champions. It will always be remembered that way so we have the opportunity to once again make our mark on history,” Kaka said.

While Kaka is clearly Milan's inspiration and stand-out performer this season, Liverpool have their own star in captain Steven Gerrard. Kaka praised his opposite number, saying: “He is an excellent player. He is a modern player because he runs, marks, knows how to pass, cross, score goals and he is a leader on the field for Liverpool. So he is a player that I would like to have in my team.”

Ancelotti, meanwhile, says he would prefer Gerrard to line up in the centre of midfield next week. Benitez has been criticised at times for playing Gerrard in a wide right position where he is perceived to be less effective. But Ancelotti insists the Reds are weaker with Gerrard in the centre. “When Steven Gerrard is in the middle, Liverpool are less solid in the centre of midfield. But when he goes wide and Xabi Alonso is in the centre, then they are more protected. I would prefer to face the first option,” he said.