Gerry Cardinale insisted on being there for AC Milan at all costs in the most crucial match of the season, even if it was a quick visit.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport write that Cardinale hadn’t officially announced his presence, but he had stressed to those closest to him that it was a real possibility. So this morning he left London’s Luton Airport and landed in Genoa on a private flight around 10:00 CEST.
He went directly to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, where he met with the team and spoke in the dressing room. “I’m by your side and I believe in you,” was the gist of the RedBird founder’s speech before the match. Few words, but important.
Cardinale’s pitstop
Cardinale wanted to be close to the group after giving an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport this week and meeting with his managers in London. He had already expressed his thoughts (“I come from a culture where, when someone stumbles, we help them get back up”) and he wanted to reinforce it with action.
After visiting the dressing room, he watched the match from the official box, flanked by sporting director Igli Tare. Christopher Nkunku and Zachary Athekame – two players he strongly endorsed – were crucial to the victory. Milan board member Massimo Calvelli. Also nearby were CEO Giorgio Furlani and chief brand officer Francesca Montini.
Wearing sunglasses and sporting a casual look, the Milan owner was fully engaged in the match and went to congratulate the team after the final whistle. He closed with a clear message of confidence: ‘Keep going’. The reference was clearly to the remaining match, the one against Cagliari, with one more win needed.
Cardinale stayed for a few minutes, thanking the players and congratulating Massimiliano Allegri, then went to the airport and boarded a private flight to London. Therefore, he will not have any meetings in Milan tomorrow.
There will be time to discuss the club’s reorganisation after Milan-Cagliari on Sunday. Cardinale will, however, continue discussions to ensure he is ready after the end of the season. The Rossoneri welcomed Cardinale’s arrival, and his words certainly reassured the team.
Allegri said: “Cardinale’s presence was crucial, but I think I’ve always said that. The club comes first, then the club must be strong: if it is, everyone becomes stronger and better. Cardinale came to speak before the match, and there was a more positive energy.”
The report adds that the RedBird boss ‘wants to build a future with Allegri on the bench’, and Champions League qualification would trigger a contract extension for the coach (until 2028). However, the issue of cohabitation between Max and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains to be resolved.
It will be complicated for the two to continue together. This is one of the issues Cardinale will have to resolve. On Sunday, the American will likely be at San Siro again for that final push.