Mark Van Bommel, AC Milan

Mark Van Bommel refuses to believe tie is over

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AC Milan midfielder Mark van Bommel does not believe their Champions League last 16 tie with Arsenal is over.

Goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng, a Robinho double and Zlatan Ibrahimovich have given the Rossoneri a healthy advantage heading into the second leg in a fortnight’s time, but the Dutchman has refused to rule out Arsenal, warning his Milan team-mates to be on their guard.

“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly was not,” Van Bommel said after the match.

“I do not think it is over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan were also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.

“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.”

The Gunner are hoping for more joy in the FA Cup, where they face Sunderland in the fifth round on Saturday.

The Rossoneri are within touching distance of the quarter-final stage after a 4-0 demolition job of the Gunners at San Siro in the first leg.

“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly was not,” Van Bommel said after the match.

“I do not think it is over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan were also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.

“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.”