Milan joy at Flamini capture

AC Milan are ecstatic over the signing of Mathieu Flamini but they expect to lose out on acquiring Didier Drogba.

Flamini is out of contract with Arsenal at the end of the season and on Monday agreed a four-year deal with the Rossoneri, which will begin on July 1. Milan have been strongly linked with Chelsea striker Drogba in Europe but Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida does not expect the Ivory Coast forward to join Flamini at the San Siro this summer.

He told PA Sport: "Drogba is a very interesting player that many clubs would want to have but he is under contract at Chelsea and I believe he will remain at Chelsea next season."

As for France international Flamini, Braida revealed Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is a great admirer of the 24-year-old midfielder.

"I have to say Flamini was a player that Ancelotti really wanted and Milan is like a family, where decisions are made jointly," he said.

Arsenal had hoped Flamini would pen a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but they always knew it would be difficult with outfits like Juventus and Milan coveting the player.

"Flamini is not an unknown player," said Braida. "Just like Didier Drogba isn't. I'm not surprised by his talent and I assume several teams would have wanted his services. Although no negotiations are ever easy, it wasn't difficult to convince Flamini to join Milan.

"Flamini has made a choice as his contract with Arsenal is coming to an end and we are delighted he has chosen Milan. He is a very good player and he can offer a lot to the team."

Flamini expressed his joy that the deal had been done after finalising terms with the Serie A outfit. "I am extremely happy. Thanks a million," he said.

Despite the offer of a lucrative new five-year deal - understood to be worth around £55,000-a-week - from the north London club, Flamini's head was turned by Milan's interest.