I'LL RUN TOON

The 43-year-old AC Milan legend said this, as he was hosting an Italian sporting dinner to raise money for the Evening Chronicle's charity for sick and disabled youngsters.

Thousands of pounds were raised for the Sunshine Fund at the event at the Azzuri restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside last night.

The news about his desire to run the club, came during a question-and-answer session. Baresi was asked whether he would want to manage a Premiership team such as Chelsea, and said via an interpreter:

"Now I am coaching at AC Milan. Who knows? In the future it could be Chelsea, Newcastle or another team - with pleasure."

Baresi also believed that skipper Alan Shearer had got better as he grew older, because he now knew more.

He said: "He's a great player and gets more intelligent as he gets older. When I was against bigger players I tried to stay awake with my intelligence."

When asked for his opinion former Newcastle United manager, Ruud Gullit, Baresi said: "Gullit was a great player to play alongside. As a manager, I know there were a few problems, but I wasn't in Newcastle at the time to see whether he is a good coach. We'll wait for his next appointment."

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