AC Milan captain in good spirits following World Cup 2014 heartbreak

Smiling from his Milanese hospital bed at La Madonnina clinic, AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo insists he is upbeat despite his World Cup pain.

A collision with Alex Pearce of the Republic of Ireland in last weekend’s 0-0 friendly draw at Craven Cottage in London saw the midfielder suffer a fracture to his leg.

That was operated on four days ago on Monday but unfortunately ruled the former Fiorentina ace out of the Brazil showcase this summer: “My morale is high, you cannot afford be too down about it and I also had a visit from president Berlusconi which always raises the spirits,” revealed the Rossoneri captain to Sportmediaset.

His Italy teammates struggled somewhat in his absence, only managing a 1-1 draw against minnows Luxembourg but Montolivo is confident about the World Cup.

“These things happen and we played well and created chances. I will be looking forward to the World Cup and giving all of my support to the Azzurri,” he concluded.