Silvio Berlusconi has ruled out a return to AC Milan.

Former Italian PM Berlusconi sold Milan last summer to Li Yonghong.

He is on record as criticising Milan's new owners, but the 80-year-old – who will stand in the Italian general election in March – insisted his time at San Siro was finished.

“I don't want to get anyone's hopes up," he told Il Foglio.

“Selling the club? It was a painful choice, but one that was necessary and final, even if Milan will continue to occupy the place they always have in my heart."