RUI COSTA COMPLETES MILAN SWITCH
The Portuguese playmaker had stated he would take his time over what he saw as his last major transfer of his footballing career, but the lure of the Giuseppe Meazza proved too great for him.
Rui Costa agreed a five-year deal with Milan, which will see him net around £3 million per season.
After confirming the move the 29-year-old was in no mood to accept blame for being allowed to leave the Viola after seven years at the Artemio Franchi, in which he had established himself as one of the dominant stars of Serie A.
"I am here now," said Rui Costa. "I am sorry for Fiorentina and their fans but I do not feel at fault because I have always given my all."
Rui Costa will again link up with ex-Viola coach Fatih Terim and Milan's recent recruit from Juventus Filippo Inzaghi in a markedly changed Milan attack.
The move will come as a blow to the likes of Real Madrid and Parma, who were believed to be interested in securing the services of the star.
However, Rui Costa was one of three playmakers Real were looking at, along with Gaizka Mendieta and Zinedine Zidane and it would appear the Spanish side has other targets to fall back on.
Rui Costa's transfer will go a long way to solve the financial problems that have swept the Florence-based club, although how the Viola faithful will react to the deal is another story.
