Milan’s new owners target UCL return
>> MILAN: AC Milan’s new owners are aiming to make the team a force in European football once more, and they want to do so with a mix of star signings and talented young players such as teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The takeover of Milan by a Chinese-led consortium was finally completed on Thursday, after several delays, ending Silvio Berlusconi’s 31-year reign.
During Berlusconi’s time in charge, the Rossoneri won trophies at home and abroad, including eight league titles and five Champions League titles. But the seven-time European champions have declined in recent years and are currently sixth in Serie A. They havn’t participated in the Champions League since the 201314 season.
“The aim of the next few years is to create a Milan side which is very competitive and very ambitious... we think we can reach this in a short time,” new CEO Marco Fassone said at a press conference on Friday.
Currently only t he t op t hree in Serie A qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.
One of the immediate priorities for Milan’s new owners will be tying Donnarumma to a long-term contract. The goalkeeper only turned 18 in February but has already played for Italy and is attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs.
“We talked about it also at dinner last night with Berlusconi,” Fassone said. “I can say that the new owners have all the consideration for Donnarumma that he deserves.
“On our part there is the desire to sort it out quickly and make Gigio [Donnarumma] a pillar of Milan’s future.”
Chinese businessman Li Yonghong, who will be Milan’s new president, was present on Friday and spoke at length for the first time since his group Rossoneri Sport Luxembourg completed the purchase of the club for €740 million (about US$800 million).
“Such a glorious club is now beginning a new chapter in its history and the success of this deal was made possible thanks to AC Milan supporters’ deep love and expectations,” Li said.
“Considering all the victories of the past years, the fans are hoping to see the club at the top of European football once again.” He added that “we want to go beyond supporters’ expectations.”