Shevchenko wants move to England - Berlusconi

ROME, May 12 (Reuters) AC Milan's Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko wants to leave the Serie A club and move to England, club owner Silvio Berlusconi said today.

''He wants to leave. He wants to go to England,'' Berlusconi, who is Italy's outgoing Prime Minister, told a group of students in front of the prime minister's office.

Shevchenko has been frequently linked with a move to English champions Chelsea and recently held a meeting with Berlusconi at his residence.

The former European Footballer of the Year joined Milan from Dynamo Kiev in 1999.

Shevchenko confirmed at a press conference at Milan's training ground today that he had discussed with Berlusconi the possibility of leaving the club.

''It is useless hiding things -- I was with the president, we talked of many things and also about the possibility that I could leave,'' said the forward.

''There hasn't been a definitive decision. I want to be clear, we are only talking. This has nothing to do with my relationship with Milan, there has always been a great deal of affection, as with my team mates and coaches.

''The decision that I am considering regards above all my family,'' added Shevchenko, whose wife is American.

''I want to say another thing to the fans who have always been and will be very important to me -- it is not about financial matters either, that would be absurd.

''I find it hard to talk about this and now I have to weigh things up well after seven years at Milan and think. We haven't taken any decision -- we will see in the coming days,'' he said.

Milan are three points behind leaders Juventus as they go into the final game of the season at home to AS Roma.

Shevchenko, who is set to feature for Ukraine in their first ever World Cup finals next month in Germany, is suffering from a knee injury and will not play in the Roma match.

REUTERS CH PC2348