THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MILAN — AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has called on coach Leonardo to only target younger players in the transfer market.
Milan has been criticized in recent years for relying heavily on players older than 30, including Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and David Beckham.
"We won’t buy players over 30 anymore," Berlusconi told the ANSA news agency on Tuesday. "We will look for players who are under 23."
He did not specify whether that would affect Beckham’s chances of rejoining the team following the end of the MLS season. Beckham reluctantly returned to the Los Angeles Galaxy following a loan stint with Milan, and has said he wants go back to Italy.
Leonardo responded by saying he is open to older players as well.
"This squad is missing a few elements," the Brazilian told the club website. "Focusing on youth is a way of preparing for the future, but it is evidently clear that young players only isn’t enough."
So far, the club’s only off-season additions have been defenders Onyewu Oguchi and Thiago Silva.