AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has reaffirmed his belief that the club are on the right path from a commercial and a playing point of view, thanking fans for their support during his cancer treatment.
Gazidis spoke on Milan’s Twitch channel with Mauro Suma and Lorenzo Lollo about a number of different topics including his return to Italy, last night’s game against Porto and what is to come, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“I’m fine, it’s nice to be back in Milan; I really feel at home here. recovery takes some time, but I continue to work, together with my colleagues, from home to push Milan forward. However, it won’t be long before my return. I’m like Ibra: impatient. But I have to wait for the doctors, too. if I don’t want to. I’ll soon be back to Milanello, Vismara, Casa Milan and certainly San Siro,” he said.
Milan went into last night’s game knowing they essentially needed to win to keep their slim Champions League hopes alive but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. Luis Diaz gave Porto a deserved lead in the first half after Grujic had rather forcefully stolen possession off Bennacer and fed the winger, while in the second half an own-goal from Chancel Mbemba levelled the game.
“The team is always growing, constantly improving. And what gives me pride is the unity, the spirit and the desire of our boys; they are bravely playing our way of playing, offensive, modern, always reacting to difficulties, without alibi. Always. This makes me proud,” Gazidis added.
Now attention turns to Sunday’s derby against Inter at San Siro which pits the current second and third-placed teams in Serie A against each other, albeit with a seven-point cushion for the Rossoneri.
“I’ll see it on TV unfortunately. My son is here with 10 friends from the USA for the match. I’m sorry I can’t be at San Siro. These are the moments we play for. I have a request for the fans: I would like to ask the fans of keep me a seat in the curve near you, because I want to cheer with you even if I won’t be there physically. My heart will be sitting with you there at San Siro on Sunday: really.
“Thanks to everyone, I would like to say it to everyone. I have no words. I do not speak as a director, but with the heart. I am excited. I have always felt the affection of the fans, it is like a wind that has pushed me forward. In life and in moments difficulties these things are important.
“I will never forget them. Now I understand what the Milan family means, it is a special club in the world, in football, but above all in the heart. It has also been seen in the past as players have always had a feeling special for this club, despite having played for other teams in their careers. My ambition is simply to be one of you at the Curva, to be a Milan fan.”
Milan are on the right path also at the corporate level, with the club announcing that the losses for the 2020-21 year were halved compared to the previous season.
“It’s a team effort, there are many people who work there. When I arrived at Milan I said that my goal is to have a club at the top of Italian and European football, playing with a fun and progressive style, with financial stability. and with the new most beautiful stadium in the world.
“Three years ago there were many things to do. we are not finished yet, but today we can all see that we are on the right path. Day after day, step by step we are closer to our destination. Together, because if we are not together it is not possible.
“A club is not a simple thing, but it is a social institution, it is a community of people who are together for reasons of feeling, of heart. And this must be understood in order to have a great club: feelings are more important than everything. Together everything is possible.”
When will Gazidis be at San Siro again?
“I’m optimistic and a little impatient with the doctors, but we’ll see you again soon.”
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