Pro Eleven Headline News

Be wary of Gamba, Park warns United teammates

Park Ji-Sung has warned his Manchester United teammates not to treat Gamba Osaka lightly in their Club World Cup semi-final, saying Asian football has improved vastly.

The South Korean star spent three seasons in Japan playing for Kyoto Purple Sanga before Guus Hiddink whisked him off to PSV Eindhoven in 2003, which subsequently led to his move to Manchester.

Park still speaks fluent Japanese and said he was relishing being back.

"I've got some very happy memories of playing for Kyoto - and of Japan in general," he said.

"While I was there we got promoted to the J-League and we also won the Emperor's Cup, so it is really good to go back.

"I'm looking forward to showing the people there that I've grown up and that I'm a much better player than when I left."

Park still follows the J-League and while he admits there is still a gap between European and Asian football, he said it was getting smaller.

"It's amazing to think how much Asian football has developed over the past ten years," he told FIFA.com.

"There's still a big difference between European and Asian football, but the gap is getting smaller all of the time.

"I think a big part of that is because there are a lot of Asian players in Europe nowadays. They're learning new skills and getting better experience - and I'd fully recommend Asian players to make the move.

"It's going to make them, as individuals, and Asian football better."

Park is anticipating a tough match against Asian champions Gamba in front of a vocal home crowd on Thursday, but is hopeful of progressing to Sunday's final.

"It's going to be a difficult match for us. We've played a lot of games in December and we've had to make a long journey to Japan. There's also the nine-hour time difference to contend with," he said.

"However, we've experienced that before as we've played in Asia on a few occasions and the weather is similar to England, so we don't have to get used to that, unlike some of the other teams.

"Hopefully, we're going to be able to show the world why we're the English and European champions." -AFP


Silva Ready for Milan Challenge

Thiago Silva arrived in Milan on Sunday where he is set to sign a contract with the Italian giants to become the Rossoneri's first acquisition for the 2009-10 campaign.

The Fluminense central defender is expected to put pen to paper on a deal at the San Siro on Monday after undergoing a medical.

However, the Brazil international will not be able to play for Carlo Ancelotti's outfit until next season with Milan having all of their non-European places covered.

Silva is the latest Brazilian to join Milan, whose contingent already includes Alexandre Pato, Kaka, Dida, Emerson and Ronaldinho and he believes he will have no problem fitting in.

"I said yes to Milan because they are among the best clubs in the world and I will do everything to remain there for a long time," said Silva.

"Pato and Kaka are my friends and I am delighted to be able to play with them.

"I know Italian football, the tournament is difficult and hard but I think I will adapt quickly."

The 24-year-old will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders as he is set to replace veteran defender Paolo Maldini, who will retire at the end of the season.

"Maldini is very important for Milan," added Silva. "It will be difficult to replace him but I'll do the best I can in order to do as he has done in the history of this club." -Sportinglife