Fiorentina owner lifts lid on attempts to buy Milan; discusses future of Castrovilli

By Oliver Fisher -

The president of Fiorentina, Rocco Commisso, has revealed that he got to the ‘final step’ in his attempts to buy AC Milan before being left disappointed.

The Rossoneri changed ownership last year when Yonghong Li defaulted on loan repayments, with Elliott Management eventually seizing control of the club.

However, before Elliott took charge it was reported that Commisso was very close to buying an 85% stake in Milan, with a €32m payment ready to begin the transferring of shares.

Instead, the American businessman bought Fiorentina, and he spoke to the microphones of Radio Anch’io lo Sport about his experience trying to buy Milan.

“We were at the last step. Then with the Chinese owners, at the last minute our offer was deemed unsuitable, but it was very good,” he said, via MilanNews.it.

“Then two weeks later they were thrown out. I don’t understand these things, also because I never could see anyone from the Chinese property.

“I don’t know how I would have managed the Rossoneri, I am certainly delighted to be in Florence. If it hadn’t been for the people I wouldn’t have come so often: I had more visits to Italy in four months (five times, ed) than any other foreigner of football in Italy. it’s a lot and I love the fans very much.”

Meanwhile, it has recently been reported that Milan could be set for a battle with rivals Inter for the signing of young Fiorentina star Gaetano Castrovilli.

The 22-year-old impressed at San Siro when the Rossoneri met Fiorentina last month, netting the visitors’ second goal, and after the game he admitted his love for his boyhood club Milan.

However, he recently penned a new five-year deal with La Viola, something Commisso sees as a big commitment.

“As for Castrovilli, we’ve got him to sign on for five years. He’s ours and we hope to keep him for a long time.”


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Tags AC Milan Gaetano Castrovilli Rocco Commisso
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