AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has likened the appointment of Leonardo as coach to the arrival of Fabio Capello in the 90s.

He has backed the new man to achieve a similar level of success.

The Brazilian was today presented as the successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who was this morning confirmed as the new boss of Chelsea after ending his eight-year spell in charge of the Rossoneri following yesterday's 2-0 win at Fiorentina.

Leonardo has no coaching experience but Galliani insists the club are not taking a risk in appointing the 39-year-old.

"This club has got very little wrong with its choice of coach down the years," he said.

"I remember in 1991, when (Arrigo) Sacchi's term came to an end after four years, we had to listen to all sorts of stories about Capello.

"He went on to win four titles in five years and we played in three consecutive Champions League finals.

"We are sure that Leonardo will do well. He is an intelligent person and knows how to maintain a relationship with the players."

Like Capello, Leonardo was already employed by the club in a technical capacity before being installed as the new head coach.

And like the man he replaces, he has already built up a strong relationship with everybody at the club.

"I remember that Leonardo is the only player who made me cry when he left this club," said Galliani.

"That has never happened for anybody else. I think it was written in the stars that he would come back and I wish him the best of luck.

"The choice of Leonardo as coach was taken by everybody at the club, not just by Galliani or the president (Silvio) Berlusconi.

"Milan wants to continue the road they took with Capello. He was a great player, like Leonardo, and then was a great member of staff, like Leonardo and then he became the coach, like Leonardo."

Leonardo was quick to play down any comparisons with Capello, however, and insisted he will be doing things his own way.

"The style of Milan will go on, but a lot has changed and it will never be the same," he said.

"I am Brazilian, for one. Lots of things will change but what does not change is the clear line of Milan and I hope I can be as successful as him (Capello)."

Rumours that Leonardo would take over from Ancelotti this summer first surfaced in January when he admitted he would "one day" like to coach Milan or Brazil.

"That was just something I said that day," explained Leonardo.

"It was not my intention six months ago to replace Carlo. I am very close to Carlo because of these six years spent as a technical director with him.

"Only afterwards did it start to develop bit by bit in a certain way.

"But the most important thing is that the decision was made together. It would have been impossible to end on bad terms with Carlo and then start my own adventure."

Leonardo will officially start his new job on July 1 after signing a two-year contract.

Galliani, meanwhile, revealed several players were reduced to tears when they heard Ancelotti was leaving for Chelsea.

The announcement came minutes after the win in Florence which also marked the 902nd and final appearance in a Milan shirt for Paolo Maldini.

"My relationship with Carlo has been more as a friend than as a manager and to see him on the Chelsea website holding a Chelsea shirt has left its mark on me," said Galliani.

"I am still in a bit of shock after yesterday with the emotion of the game and then in the dressing room.

"I spoke first and thanked him and Paolo Maldini and remembered these eight years and a lot of players were crying."

Galliani continued: "I don't think there are any clubs who have ended their relationship with a coach and then, that same night, gone out for a meal together.

"Last night Carlo, Leonardo and I went out to eat together and we spoke about the Milan formation for the future. It was a really pleasant evening."

Leonardo revealed Ancelotti encouraged him to step into his shoes.

"Yesterday was an extraordinary day, to see all the players crying," he said.

"Carlo is the man who has pushed me the most to take on this challenge.

"I have had a very friendly relationship with Carlo all this time and he has not only wished me good luck and given me a lot of advice, but he has inspired me a lot."