AFC Bournemouth director Tiago Pinto has described drawing AC Milan as a ‘dream come true’ for the club.
While Milan gear up to face Venezia at San Siro tonight, Daniele Massaro was in Monaco for then Europa League draw. The result was a tough group featuring the likes of Benfica, Olympiacos, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Ferencvaros.
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Pinto spoke to TNT Sports to give his reaction to the draw, which sees the Cherries face Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo and Sparta Prague as well as the Rossoneri.
What is your reaction to drawing Milan?
“I’m very happy. It’s a great joy for our club to be on this stage and play against a great team like Milan: it will be the most important match in the club’s history. Among other things, it will be against my friend Ruben Amorim, but we’ll try to fight and win.
“For us AC Milan is like a dream come true. It’s going to be amazing, maybe one of the biggest games ever in the Vitality Stadium. In Premier League we have a lot of big games, but getting a giant like AC Milan is unbelievable.”
Are Juventus and Milan the teams to beat?
“In my opinion, yes. In European competition, Italian teams are always there. I hear a lot of criticism, but Inter have reached two Champions League finals, Roma have won the Conference League, and Atalanta have won the Europa League.
“However, Juventus and Milan, despite being in a slightly different phase of their history, are the teams to beat.”
“It’s like a dream come true. But for us as a club, it’s the next step.” 💪
Tiago Pinto, President of Football Operations at Bournemouth, gives his reaction to seeing the Cherries in Europe for the first time 🍒 pic.twitter.com/nXfRuBivnW
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 28, 2026
Bournemouth is a proper proper team. I watched them quite a few times last year.They were unlucky not to get the UCL spot last season. They have a great style of play, are well organized and frequently put big teams like City in huge problems. I won’t be surprised if they win the Europa League.
Really you’re not even giving us a shot, we have not won this competition in our history after all. It would be a good achievement in terms of building the clubs reputation again.
We do have a shot. Didn’t say we didn’t but I’m just saying the Bournemouth team was very very good last year. The only thing I can think of on the flipside is that the coach, Iraola, who brought them up the ranks has gone to Liverpool. So it won’t be the same team I suppose.
I however don’t think we have a real interest in that competition especially if it’s at the expense of a top 4 finish. The trophy would be nice but I’m sure Gerry will have us prioritize the league. Also the Thursday games are going to wreak havoc on our league results.
Go and support them..
Go and try reading comprehension. Or write a comment of your own instead of always leeching off of others write up. You’re so offended by me giving props to another team not even in our own league and unlike most on this site, actually seen them play whole games. Get a hobby