Michele Peresso Group chairman Emmanuel Peresso came up with this idea, the proceeds of which will go to the Community Chest Fund. The auction sale will be conducted voluntarily by the well-known auctioneer Albert Rizzo.

Addressing a news conference yesterday morning at the Psaila Street outlet, director Christina Peresso said that most of the items had been signed when the Milan players’ visited their premises in January during their stay in Malta for a training camp, or during the presentation of the Malta Cup at the Centenary Hall in Ta’ Qali. These lots consist of original jerseys, footballs and equipment.

Ms Peresso said Eurosport had always been in the forefront of sponsoring philanthropic organisations and other institutions here. She thanked the three local Milan Supporters Clubs, the players of Milan and the club’s directors, Adidas and all those who had made the auction possible.

Mrs Mary Fenech Adami, vice-chairperson of the Malta Community Chest Fund, who also attended the news conference, said she was grateful to Eurosport for coming up with the idea to help those in need.

The Community Chest Fund dispenses some Lm20,000 every month on providing equipment and sending people in need abroad for special treatment.

The lots coming up for auction vary in the sense that not all have the same number of signatures of players or officials. Lot 21, for example, is a black and red striped Milan jersey with the highest number of signatures – the 16 players Fiori, Kalac, Pirlo, Cafu, Brocchi, Kaladze, Maldini, Seedorf, Jankulovski, Ambrosini, Costacurta, Gilardino, Kaka, Gattuso, Borriello and Gourcuff.

There are also some items, including a football and a jersey, signed by Brazilian striker Ronaldo, Milan’s latest signing, after their Malta visit.

Also present for the occasion was Louis Cuschieri of the Milan Supporters Club, Malta, Ervin Farrugia of the Milan Supporters Club Cuore Rosso Nero and Lorry Scicluna of the Milan Supporters Club, Gozo.