AC Milan Players Arrive in Dubai

Brazilians Ronaldinho, Robinho and Pato stepped off an Emirates' flight from Sao Paulo last night, while other players such as Massimo Ambrosini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Clarence Seedorf came in on flights from Europe, as well as North America and Africa.

The hottest news in the squad is the recently signed Antonio Cassano, who will play his first match for the Fly Emirates AC Milan team against Al Ahli on January 2 at the Rashid Stadium. Tickets for the Emirates Challenge Cup match, kicking off at 8pm, are on sale from Virgin Megastores and the Timeout/ITP Ticketline http://www.itp.net/tickets/

Over the next 6 days, the seven-time UEFA Champions League winners will be demonstrating their dazzling skills in the sun, a far cry from the bitter Milan weather.

"You can feel the buzz when these guys arrive in town - they are idols to so many people around the world and it is a real pleasure to have them performing again in Dubai," said Mohammed Mattar, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services. "Local fans will also be the first to see the new signing Cassano play a match when he appears against Al Ahli Club on Sunday," he added.

AC Milan's pre-match training sessions are taking place at Al Ahli Football Club and are open to the public. Training takes place between 9-11 am and 3-5 pm each day, giving fans a rare opportunity to see their favourite stars honing their breathtaking skills.

Tomorrow, representatives of AC Milan and Al Ahli Club will appear at a press conference at Emirates' Headquarters in Dubai, speaking about their latest visit to the UAE and their thoughts going into the Emirates Cup Challenge.

Regular ticket prices are: AED 100 - 150 for adults and AED 50 - 75 for children under 12. Premier tickets for AED 200 are available by calling (04) 321 0008 .