Boban: “Milan have much greater ambitions than people think”

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan director Zvonimir Boban has admitted the club’s aim is to be ‘sustainable and ambitious’, and to ‘dream with feet on the ground’.

The former FIFA chief, along with Paolo Maldini, was present at the unveiling of new head coach Marco Giampaolo in front of the media on Monday.

The ex-Rossoneri midfielder preached the importance of aiming for the top, but doing so in a sensible manner.

“Sustainability does not mean not to be ambitious,” Boban told the media.

“Dreaming with our feet on the ground is a must and it’s up to responsible people. This club has much greater ambitions than people think. I would not be here otherwise.

“What sense would it have? Only that the right things must be done, with great intelligence. It will be up to us to do well within the limits of the budget and speed up the process within which Milan must return to the top.”

Milan will be without European football next season following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling last month.

“I am so sorry not to be able to participate in Europe,” the former Croatia international continued.

“Milan must participate in the best continental and world competitions. Let’s go ahead on our way, Marco will have a few more days to work with the team during the week.”

On the feeling between management and coach: “We have a great harmony. We know which game appeals to him. Paolo works 27 hours a day, I work 24 hours a day and Ricky works at least 26.5 hours.

“On the one hand it is a new job for me, but on the other side, I’ve been in football all my life. I accompany and assisted Ricky and Paolo. Ricky knows everything and everyone nationally and internationally.

“Mr. Giampaolo has not made too many requests. The better the quality, the better it is for everyone.”

There was speculation that the Rossoneri reached out to Boban’s compatriot Luka Modric over a possible move, and while he did not deny it, he hinted that it would not be possible currently.

“It is difficult to have players of this level, it is impossible at the moment. We will try to bring great class players, not just young people who can become top players of tomorrow. We must fish well, but the market it’s long. We believe we will do well.”

Finally, Boban paid tribute to Gennaro Gattuso: “The club has expressed the great gratitude and elegance he has had in leaving. I embrace him and wish him all the good in the world. He did a good job.”

Tags AC Milan Notification Zvonimir Boban
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.