Shevchenko shoots for the top

By Paolo Menicucci

'Strong opponents'
The Ukrainian striker is aware that Liverpool will be a severe test for Milan's ambition to become European champions for the seventh time. "I'm not surprised we're meeting Liverpool," he told uefa.com. "They fully deserved to reach the final after playing great games against strong opponents like Juventus and Chelsea [FC]."

'Tournament favourites'
Shevchenko accepts the tag of favourites ahead of the final but he is sure Milan will not have to handle more pressure than Liverpool. "Obviously our group have achieved great results in recent years so we were considered among the favourites before the start of the competition," he said. "There is a bit of pressure ahead of the final but it's normal because everything will be decided in 90 minutes and I think Liverpool have pressure too."

'Exciting times'
According to the forward, who has scored six goals in this European campaign, the atmosphere in the Milan camp is very similar to the one ahead of the final against Juventus two years ago. "It was not that different even if we were facing another Italian side last time," he said. "We are waiting to play the match we have wanted to play for the whole season - it is exciting."

'Tough game'
Liverpool have not conceded goals in their last three Champions League games and Shevchenko expects a hard battle in Istanbul. "Liverpool can defend very well," he said. "They all fight together on every centimetre of the pitch. I know it will be a very difficult game and maybe Liverpool will try to do something different. I think they will also try to attack and it will be a very entertaining game."

'Gerrard vision'
The 28-year-old forward has no doubts when asked who his favourite Liverpool player is, replying: "I like Steven Gerrard. He's one of the best midfield players in the world. I like his vision of the game. He always plays direct football and makes everything much easier for the Liverpool forwards."

'Unlucky PSV'
Shevchenko hopes that Milan will play better than they did in the semi-final against PSV Eindhoven when they only progressed on away goals. "The game against PSV was most difficult for us," he said. "I think we played our worst game of the season, but still we managed to react well. PSV would also have deserved to qualify for the final but we managed to recover from a very difficult situation."

'Tired legs'
Milan have not won a single game in May and lost the race with Juventus for the Italian title, but Shevchenko is sure the Rossoneri have had enough time to return to top physical condition for the game against Liverpool. "It's normal to be a bit tired when you play important games every three days," he said. "However, now we have had some rest and that has helped us to prepare for the game.

'Crucial week'
"After losing the game against Juventus we understood that we didn't have much of a chance to win the Scudetto so we started to focus only on the Champions League final - this is the most important game of the season for us."