Zlatan Ibrahimovic has paid tribute to Silvio Berlusconi ahead of AC Milan’s game against Monza tonight which will see the two teams battle for the trophy named after the former president.
It is around 14 months since the passing of Berlusconi was announced, and his story is synonymous with both his boyhood club Milan – who he rescued from the financial mire and established among Europe’s elite – plus his hometown team Monza.
Under his ownership and presidency the Rossoneri won 29 trophies, a haul that catapulted them to be (arguably permanently) one of the top clubs in the world.
Success on both the domestic and international stage set the tone for a wonderful era of dominance that could not have happened without Silvio’s dedication to the club.
Ibrahimovic was present alongside Emerson Royal at his unveiling press conference to answer questions from journalists about a number of topics, and he was asked for a thought on Berlusconi before tonight’s game.
“When we talk about Silvio Berlusconi, he is a person I care a lot about. The first time I came to Milan, he made me happy. I had so much respect for the person. I am sorry that he is no longer with us but he will always remain in our memory,” he said.
“Tonight we are playing the Berlusconi Trophy, a tribute to him. I always try to bring and transmit what he taught me: for me he was a great and we are here thanks to him, he was Milan. Everyone has respect and gratitude towards him.”
