Schalke CFO sorry for racism comments

Schalke chief financial officer Peter Peters has apologised for a statement that suggested racism drove midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng away from Italy.

On Monday, Peters told SportBildPlus that Boateng had wanted to leave Italy" because of the racist incidents" he suffered during his time with AC Milan.

He claimed that Boateng "had an arrangement with president Silvio Berlusconi that he could leave if AC Milan qualified for the Champions League".

During his first press conference as a Schalke player, Boateng said that only "sporting reasons had been behind his decision" to sign for Schalke for a reported fee of €12 million this summer.

Peters’ comments sparked further discussion about racism in Italian football, but, later on Monday, he looked to clarify his comments via a statement on the club's official website.

"A statement made by Schalke finance director Peter Peters regarding the transfer of Kevin-Prince Boateng caused something of a stir on Monday, a misunderstanding that Peters deeply regrets," the statement read.

Peters said: "Having spoken to our general manager, Horst Heldt, my initial assumption proved to be completely wrong. He confirmed that racist incidents were definitely not the reason for Kevin's move to Schalke.

"As soon as I'm back at Schalke I will speak to Kevin personally and apologise for what I said. It was certainly not my intention to cast false aspersions on AC Milan or the Italian fans."

Meanwhile, Schalke have acted in the stock exchange to increase a loan, issued last year, by €15 million, leading to suggestions in several German papers that the club were in need of finances to fund the Boateng transfer.

Last week, it was reported the club have delayed all infrastructure developments -- including a new stadium for the reserve team, new training pitches and a "Footbonaut" [an advanced training facility] -- until further notice.

Kaka to be made Milan vice-captain

Kaka is to become vice-captain of AC Milan following his return to the Serie A club from Real Madrid, according to Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani.The Brazilian returned to Milan on transfer deadline day, sealing a "return home" after four seasons in Spain. He previously played his way into the Rossoneri fans' hearts and was given a hero's reception upon his return a week ago, and that status is now to be confirmed by being made vice-captain.

"Riccardo Montolivo is and remains our captain, but almost certainly (Kaka) will be vice-captain," Galliani told Sky. "Let's not forget the six years he played with this shirt."

Kaka wore the captain's armband on his return to action for Milan in a 4-0 friendly win against Chiasso at the weekend, although that was a gift from Marco Amelia, who was due to lead the team onto the field. "It was great to play again," Kaka told Mediaset Premium on Saturday. "There is margin for improvement. I'm 31 and I've learnt a lot. I'm able to make better decisions and fewer mistakes." That is precisely what Milan are expecting from him this season, as part of what Galliani feels is a formidable attack. "Kaka and [Ricardo] Saponara are two additional weapons for Milan," he said. "We have an extraordinary attack now and we're going to attack all the time.

"Kaka looked to be in good shape during the friendly. He's not going to take a place away from [Stephan] El Shaarawy or anybody. In fact, he will do the whole team good."