AC Milan’s honorary vice president Franco Baresi believes that the San Siro atmosphere will be an asset to the team, while he also commented on the returns of Sandro Tonali and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Baresi was interviewed by Sky Italia before the game against Newcastle, with his comments relayed by MilanNews, and he began by talking about what European nights under the lights in Milano mean.
“San Siro is our ally, it must become a fortress for us. It is clear that the bitterness and displeasure for the fans is great, but this evening it is another match,” he said.
“We’re back in the Champions League and it’s a very important match, anything can happen and tonight it’s doubly important to bring the victory.”
Sandro Tonali got a great reception from the Milan fans as he came out to warm up, and it will be a strange feeling for him returning to not only his former club but the team he grew up supporting.
“Sorry, it’s been a short time but this is football. He left a great memory for all of us,” Baresi said.
In a rather surprise twist, the build-up to the game became dominated by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s presence at Milanello and the news of a potential return to the club in a role yet to be defined.
“I don’t know what Ibrahimović will do next. Nobody knows his future, only he knows it.”
Finally, Baresi offered a reflection on Milan’s path back to being among Europe’s elite clubs, but the work still to be done as Saturday’s derby showed.
“I believe that Milan are coming off two very positive years, the blow against the derby was great but this team has values. We know that it is difficult against every team, but the team is alive and involved.”
“I believe that Milan are coming off two very positive years…” – Franco Baresi
I’m not sure @Dejan10, @Boulden and @Giancarlo agree