Ruud Van Nistelrooy Praising Legendary AC Milan Team Goes Viral

Ruud van Nistelrooy was one of the best strikers in the modern era but even he was in awe of the AC Milan team of 2004/05.

Van Nistelrooy scored 95 goals in just 150 games in his five year spell in the Premier League with Manchester United, before moving to Real Madrid.

It's fair to say he played in a couple of great teams and alongside some other amazing players, but that didn't stop him being in awe of one opponent.

United faced AC Milan in the 2004/05 season, in the Champions League last 16, and were completely outplayed over two legs.

That team included the likes of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo and, in a video that's gone viral, it's clear that Van Nistelrooy was very impressed.

"I played against AC Milan at the San Siro and there was a back four of Cafu, Jaap Stam, [Paolo] Maldini and [Alessandro] Nesta.

"So I was just like... that is interesting you know. Ok... They were pretty good. All four of them and how they worked as a unit.

"There was Gattuso just in front. You know he's like 'I'm going to kill you every time you get the ball'.

"And then Pirlo... he's fantastic. [Clarance] Seedorf was playing in that team too. Strongest man in the world.

"I didn't score that game. I couldn't. I couldn't get near a shot. Like 4/5 players flying in which I had the ball. That was pretty amazing."

Van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney sum up what it was like for United in that game. Image: PA Images

With all that talent in the Milan side, it's no wonder that the English club were on the end of two 1-0 losses over the two legs, as they crashed out early in Europe.

Carlo Ancelotti's side easily got past city rivals Inter in the next round before PSV proved a tougher challenge in the semi finals.

After defeating the Eredivisie side on away goals, the Italians were huge favourites for the final against Liverpool, who finished the Premier League season in fifth, behind Everton.

However, despite being 3-0 up at half-time, Milan lost the legendary final to Rafa Benitez's Liverpool in Istanbul, no doubt Van Nistelrooy would have been sat at home as shocked as anyone.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Serie A, Premier League, AC Milan, Champions League

Ryan Sidle

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