AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko feels the upcoming Derby with Inter will be a turning point for both clubs.
The Ukrainian scored 14 times in the fixture with his favourite goal coming in the 2003 Champions League second leg which was a 1-1 draw, but saw the Rossoneri advance to the final on away goals.
“You have to be concrete and be able to hold off the nerves to excite those watching,’” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I always tried to do so and I loved the pressure of the derby.
“My best memory was that Champions League game. Two draws, then off to the final, but there was a lot of tension. At Milanello you could feel a leaf fall to the ground.
“The goal I scored was beautiful, but it was hard. [Clarence] Seedorf played the ball into the area, [Ivan] Cordoba was in front of me, but I was able to get past him and shoot.”
Looking more closely at Sunday’s derby, both Milan sides have been criticised for poor from, with the quality of players in show not up to the standards of the past.
“This has the same form as the electrocardiogram,” Shevchenko continued. “Up and down, like a heartbeat, and like life, and even like a football club.
“Milan and Inter will return to the top, but everything must start with this derby, which is worth much more three points. It is a turning point for both.”
“I expect more from [Fernando] Torres and I know he can give more. He came over from England where he proved he was a great striker. I think he has much more to give and his story isn’t over.”
