The Ukrainian has struggled to make an impact since his £30million move from the San Siro and the former Italy Prime Minister has chosen to take a public view on Shevchenko's private life, describing him as a "lap-dog" for his supermodel wife. "A true Milanista and a real man would not have behaved like this, " Berlusconi told Gazzetto dello Sport.

"At my home I'm in charge and decide what happens. Instead, when Shevchenko's wife shouts, he runs under the bed like a lapdog. His wife ordered him to London with their children, where the fog will do their lungs the world of good."