Milan continue Guardiola pursuit

Milan continue Guardiola pursuit

Published Jan. 8, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is still keen to lure Pep Guardiola to the San Siro - but admits the chances of him joining are slim.

The 41-year-old left Barcelona in the summer after winning two Champions Leagues and three Primera Division titles in a four year spell in charge at the Nou Camp.

Guardiola moved to New York to take a year sabbatical, but that has not stopped him from being linked with a host of top clubs throughout Europe.

Speculation is set to increase after Guardiola told a news conference at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich that he wants to return to management.

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"I don't have a team to go to but I would like to go back to coaching," he said. "I have taken a decision to return to coaching but beyond that no decision has been taken."

Milan are one of those linked and Berlusconi says they continue to be interested in Guardiola.

Massimiliano Allegri's side currently sit seventh in Serie A and the 76-year-old admits the coach's position is far from secure.

He told reporters: "(You ask) if Allegri will stay at Milan next season? I have to say the truth? Please, ask me another question. I always tried to bring him (Guardiola) to Milan, because over the last (few) years because Barcelona played the best football. We contacted him, but he said he wanted to stay in a sabbatical. He said that at Milan he'd have fun and felt admiration towards me, and appreciation for the Lake Como, where I could offer a beautiful villa. At this moment, I have to say the percentage for him to come to Milan is very low."

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