Fedele Confalonieri, the president of Mediaset, believes that the sale of the majority stake of AC Milan is the best move for the growth of the club.
The Rossoneri, who are currently owned by Italian holding company Fininvest, are on the verge of selling the shares of the club to a group of Chinese investors as Silvio Berlusconi prepares to step down having initially acquired the club back in 1986.
The deal, which is close to completion, will see the Chinese consortium control 80 percent of Milan’s stake, instead of the initial 70 percent that was expected, with Il Cavaliere set to retain 20 percent of his shares in the club.
And Confalonieri has reiterated his belief that the future is bright for the Diavolo, and has praised the impact Berlusconi has had in his 30 years at the club.
“I have not followed the deal closely, but it seems to me that it’s nearly done,” he told La Stampa. “The Chinese group are proving that they want to invest. After 30 fantastic years including three average ones, Berlusconi has chosen what is best for Milan.“
The deal could potentially see a mass injection of cash for the club to compete in the transfer market as well as revisiting plans for a new stadium.
Montella eager to revive AC Milan’s former glories
Whilst admitting that it will
be a difficult challenge, the newly-appointed tactician is still extremely
excited about the task that lies ahead
Following his official appointment on Tuesday, Vincenzo
Montella has now revealed his desire to lead AC Milan back to the top of European football.
Having
seriously dwindled in recent seasons, the ex-Sampdoria boss has recognised that
it will take a significant amount of effort to reinvigorate the former European
Champions, and he is first aiming to recruit a whole host of new and ambitious
talent.
“There is a
lot of work to do but I know what awaits me,” said Montella to Sport Mediaset.
“The objective is to return to the top in Italy and also in Europe.
“First we
aim to fill the gap with Juventus, especially in terms of the players.”
The
ambitious 42-year-old never managed to don the Rossoneri shirt during his
decorated playing career, although he is now delighted to have finally
been given the chance to make his mark upon Milan’s history.
“Us coaches
we live with the changes and when there is a change there is always some strong
emotion,” he added. “I am very excited as I have dreamed of playing for Milan
since I was a child. Unfortunately [Adriano] Galliani never signed me.
“But now he
has done, this time as a coach. I have a few more grey hairs than before but I
will definitely manage to keep improving.”
Lastly,
Montella revealed that he is keen to hit the ground running with the club,
whilst also calling upon the players to act as an integral driving force behind
the club’s long-awaited revival.
“We will
start to work seriously in the week,” he added. “Milan must have the ambition
to return to the highest tiers of Europe and not just in Italy.
“I will work
to do that. The challenge will be tough but I am fully aware of the task that
awaits me. Often the difference comes thanks to the players so it is important
for them to develop their performances.
“If they do
this then we will obtain results.”