ROME, Oct 16 - Former AC Milan midfielder Demetrio
Albertini is relishing the prospect of taking on his old club
when he returns to the San Siro with Lazio at the weekend.
"As soon as the computer compiled the calendar for the Serie
A season, I looked to see which day we would face Milan. October
the 19th has been in my head for a long time," Albertini was
quoted as saying in Corriere dello Sport on Thursday.
A product of Milan's youth scheme, Albertini was a key
player during the club's most successful period in the late
1980s and 1990s when they won five Serie A titles, the European
Cup and a European Supercup.
But last season, while his contemporaries Paolo Maldini and
Alessandro Costacurta continued to compete regularly in Serie A,
Albertini was loaned to Spanish club Atletico Madrid.
On his return to Italy, he was judged surplus to
requirements by Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and released by the
club only to be snapped up on a two-year deal by Lazio.
"The wound is deep. At the moment, however, I just want to
remember the good things," the 32-year-old said of his departure
from Milan.
"My instinct on Sunday at the San Siro will be to thank many
people, rather than looking on anyone with bitterness."
The midfielder revealed his transfer to Lazio had not been
forced on him by a lack of choice.
"I received loads of offers, but I only spoke to (Lazio
coach Roberto) Mancini and the Lazio directors," he said.
"Up until a few months ago, the club seemed to be in a
serious financial mess, but with the help of the players it's
laid down the foundations of an ambitious project again."
Albertini has made an immediate impression at Lazio, scoring
two goals in his first four league appearances.
Asked what he would do if he hit the target against his old
side on Sunday, he replied: "I would celebrate the goal but that
would not take anything away from the love I have for Milan.
I've got great respect for Lazio, for my new fans and for my
team mates".