AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has given an interview to Milan TV during which he reflected on what was ultimately a successful season for the club.
The Rossoneri secured a return to the Champions League thanks to a 2-0 win away against Atalanta in the final round of the season, sealing a second-placed spot in the process which is their highest finish since the 2011-12 season.
Milan were in the top four for 37 rounds out of 38, and at no point were they actually set to miss out. After years of suffering and disappointing results, Milan seem to have finally found the right cycle and there are a number of key figures who deserve credit for that, from Gazidis himself to Stefano Pioli, Paolo Maldini, Ricky Massara and the squad.
Gazidis spoke to the microphones of Milan TV and was interviewed by Mauro Suma about the 2020-21 campaign, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
On the season: “We have had a special and exciting season. Here at Milan there is a great sense of unity that gives me great pride. This gives the club crazy strength.”
On securing a return to the Champions League: “What a great emotion. We suffer like all the fans. It was the result of hard work, we deserved to return to the Champions League. It is also important how we achieved it, it is an important goal for everyone.”
On the strength of the group: “It is special, it is young, but with a crazy mentality. it has great strength inside, it wants to win. This team has always given an answer, this means having a great mentality. This group is very strong”.
On the fans: “I have no words for these fans. We have all lived through a difficult moment, but we have always felt their support. At Milan we are all united, with this attitude everything is possible.
“They give me chills when I think about what they did away from Casa Milan. I want to thank them because their support is essential for our growth. My great hope is that in the future I can only be considered a fan. of Milan like them. Forza Milan sempre!”
On the future: “This path is difficult, we are only at the beginning.”
On Milan Women: “Our girls have had a fantastic season, they must continue like this. They too will be in the Champions League next year. I have no words for this team, they are all fantastic.”
On Giacinti: “She is a force of nature, she gives 120% at all times. This is an important example not only for women’s football, but also for men.”
On the club: “It is the most important thing, the club is above all, it is above all individual interests. It is essential to have a spirit of unity.”
On Pioli: “For me Stefano is a great example. He lived through a period of great pressure, but he has always thought about the good of the club. He is a very profound man, I was surprised by his passion, trust in the group and his his closeness to each player.”
On the team: “We have a strong group, with strong players, only in this way can we be successful. We need quality players, we have a very modern team off the pitch that is doing a fantastic job. Paolo Maldini is a point of reference both technically and when we think about the values of the club. The fans can have faith in this team.”
On the weight of Milan off the pitch: “We have weight. Scaroni is a credible president who has great influence. There is Maldini who also has great influence.”
On Tomori: “For a striker, Tomori is a nightmare. Nothing is easy with him, it is not possible to beat him in speed or even by force.”
On the squad: “We have modern players with strength and speed. We want players who can grow in our club.”
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