Alexandre Pato has pledged his future to Milan, despite interest from Paris SG and Corinthians.
The Brazilian turned down a move to Paris SG back in January but the Ligue 1 club have not given up hope that he could change his mind.
“Milan received several offers for me,” Pato said.
“There were also Brazilian clubs but it’s not the time to return home as I am only 22 and I feel I am at the club I want to be. I can only thank these clubs but I will stay at Milan.”
Laudrup linked with Swansea job
Michael Laudrup is being mentioned as the successor to Brendan Rodgers at Swansea.
Laudrup, who also played for Barcelona in an illustrious career, is on Swansea’s shortlist for the vacant role after Rodgers left for Liverpool.
The 47-year-old former Real Mallorca and Spartak Moscow coach had spoken of a desire to manage in England.
Swansea are looking to appoint their fourth manager in three years after Rodgers joined Liverpool last month.
Scholl unimpressed by Gomez
Mario Gomez has come in for heavy criticism from former Germany midfielder Mehmet Scholl for his performance in the 1-0 Euro 2012 victory over Portugal.
The Bayern Munich striker headed the winner, moments before he was due to be replaced by Miroslav Klose but Scholl was less than impressed with his all-round display.
“He had two or three actions – that was it,” said Scholl, a pundit for ARD.
Scholl, who won 36 caps for Germany, insisted his comments were not personal.
He said: “There is an impression forming that I have something against Gomez. But that is absolutely not the case.
“I am analysing this team and Gomez is a part of it.”
Montella named Fiorentina coach
Vincenzo Montella has been appointed coach of Serie A side Fiorentina, the Italian club confirmed yesterday.
The Tuscan club has been looking for a coach since parting company with Delio Rossi to-wards the end of last season.
A statement from Fiorentina read: “Fiorentina announces that Vincenzo Montella is the new coach of the first team.
“Montella has signed a two-year contract with an optional third.”
Montella, 38, parted company with Catania earlier this month after guiding the Sicilians to an 11th-placed finish in Serie A in his first season in charge.
The former Roma boss had one year left on his contract with Catania but was granted an early release from his role.
Obodo rescued from kidnappers
Udinese midfielder Christian Obodo has been rescued from his kidnappers by Nigerian police.
The 28-year-old was taken by a group of armed men in his home city of Warri, Nigeria, on Saturday morning while on his way to church, and a ransom was demanded for his release.
A statement from Udinese read: “Thanks to his mobile phone signal, Obodo’s position was identified and the police were able to act to free him without needing to pay a ransom.”
The Nigeria international said after his release: “I thank God that I am free.”
Obodo, who played on loan at Lecce last season, has spent his entire career in Italy, having also played for Perugia, Fiorentina and Torino. He has won 21 caps for Nigeria.
Hill-Wood cautious on Van Persie
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood admits that Robin van Persie will quit the club if he wants big money. The Gunners captain has just a year left on his current deal and he is in talks about an extension.
But a host of clubs from across the continent are showing an interest. And Hill-Wood admits that if money is the deciding factor then their captain will most likely leave.
“He is vital to us and has been an extremely good captain,” said Hill-Wood.
“But if somebody comes along and offers Robin £250,000 a week then I am afraid we cannot compete with that.
“Hopefully, we can reach agreement with Robin and ideally he will extend his contract.”
Lazio won’t sell striker Klose
Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has insisted Miroslav Klose is not for sale amid speculation he could move to Barcelona this summer.
Tare has moved to quash the latest reports linking the Ger-many international with a move away from the club.
Spanish media has reported Barca are keen to strengthen their forward line with the signing of the experienced striker.
Tare said: “Klose is not for sale. We have not received any offers for him. If an offer was to arrive, we would not accept it because he is a crucial player for us.”