Seedorf fixed on fourth title

By Darío López

Tonight's UEFA Champions League final is a big deal to everyone involved at both AC Milan and Liverpool FC, although one player on the pitch at the Atatürk Olympic stadium could be forgiven for feeling a little blasé about the prospect of another European Champion Clubs' Cup final.

Unique treble
Milan's Dutch midfield player Clarence Seedorf entered into Champions League folklore in 2002/03 by becoming the first player to win the competition with three different clubs, having previously won the tournament with his first club, AFC Ajax, and then with Real Madrid CF.

Fourth final
The game in Istanbul will be his fourth final, and while he has yet to taste defeat in any previous European showcase game, even the 29-year-old former UC Sampdoria and FC Internazionale Milano player has felt the odd quiver of anticipation in the days approaching kick-off.

'Special feeling'
He explained to uefa.com: "It is a very special feeling, more than just nerves - you find yourself with an incredible sensation of desire to win which never leaves you no matter how many finals you have played. But then the experience allows you to plan better for the next time."

Fond memories
While the sensation is a familiar one for Seedorf, there is no danger of his memories of his three final victories getting muddled up. "Each one has been special because they were all so different and with the biggest clubs in the business - the kind of clubs where winning is expected," he said.

First double
Winning against Liverpool tonight would mean that Milan were the first team that the mercurial midfield player had won two finals with. "Each trophy has come at different stage in my career and for that, they evoke different memories - and take me back to the clubs where I won them," he added.

Negative tactics
When Milan overcame Serie A rivals Juventus FC on penalties in the 2002/03 final many bemoaned what they saw as stereotypically defensive Italian tactics from both sides, but it is an accusation that Seedorf is quick to refute on behalf of Milan. "People generalize by talking about the discipline and order of Italian football but I can't see it myself," he said. "At Milan, we have always played a very attacking game, more so than a lot of other teams."

Team play
Liverpool have been cast as the defensive side in tonight's final, but Seedorf sees more than just resilience in Rafael Benítez's side. "Their style is very much a reflection of their coach," he said. "They have brilliant players in every position and have shown that more than anything that they function perfectly as a unit."