Ukraine striker Shevchenko leaves Milan, eyes Chelsea

Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko is leaving Milan who will start negotiations with English champions Chelsea over his transfer.

"I'm leaving for family reasons," Shevchenko said.

"I thank the club for all they've given me. There's no relationship problem and there's no economic problem."

Adriano Galliani, Milan's vice president, said in the same statement that the club would start negotiations with Chelsea, adding: "It will not be easy.

"It's a victory of the English language over the Italian language," Galliani said. "I tried to persuade him to stay up until the last minute. It is certainly the most painful separation during my time at Milan."

Shevchenko's American wife Kristen is reported to have asked her husband to move to London as she would prefer their son Jordan to grow up in an English-speaking country.

If Chelsea complete the capture of the 29-year-old Ukraine captain he would become their second coup of the close season after the arrival of Germany skipper Michael Ballack on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

However, Shevchenko's move to Stamford Bridge depends on the clubs reaching agreement on a fee.

Italian media say Milan hope to get about 30 million euros for the forward. Chelsea may look to include a player in part exchange and their French defender William Gallas would welcome a move to the Italian side, who are looking for defensive reinforcements.

If the clubs reach an agreement, Shevchenko's departure would have a major knock-on effect on the transfer market with Milan certain to try to replace him with a top quality striker.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has Italy internationals Alberto Gilardino and Filippo Inzaghi as his two remaining forwards but Milan fans will expect a big name to arrive if they are to accept losing their top scorer.

Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy and Inter's Brazilian forward Adriano have been mentioned as possible replacements for Shev-chenko by newspapers.