The New Nation - Internet Edition

DUBAI, UAE - The star-studded AC Milan squad arrived in Dubai on December 29 ready to head straight into training for their second half of the season.

The seven-time UEFA Champions League winners are making the most of the city's fantastic 'weather for their Emirates-sponsored Training Camp which runs from 30th December 2008 to 7th January 2009.

Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, said: "Wc arc delighted that, through our sponsorship, we are able to bring a team of this calibre to Dubai for their training camp. Their stay in Dubai will give local football supporters a unique opportunity to see some of the world's best players up close.

"We are also pleased to announce that we have recently reinforced our commitmcnt to the team and have increased our level of sponsorship. We are now a Top Institutional Sponsor of AC Milan."

Carlo Ancelotti, AC Milan's coach said: "We are thrilled to be back in Dubai and the team and I are greatly looking forward to a productive week ahead of us. This trip to Dubai is an important part of our preparation for the rest of the season and our thanks must go to Emirates Airline for making this possible."

Local fans will indeed get the chance to see the stars up close, with two of the AC Milan training camps at Al Nasr' Club including being opened up to the public free of charge. On 30th December from 5-6.30pm and on 2nd January from 9.30am to 12pm, football fans can head to the club to watch the likes of Maldini, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Beckham in action.

They'll also have the opportunity to watch these legendary Footballers take on Hamburg SV in the Emirates and DTCM-sponsored Dubai Football Challenge which takes place at Emirates' new sports venue 'The Sevens' on 6th January.

Tickets for the Challenge are selling fast and fans arc being urged to buy their tickets before getting to the ground on January 6 to avoid disappointment.