AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis sent a message to all club employees after a historic night last night as the team secured their Champions League return.
A 2-0 victory away from home against Atalanta ensured that the Rossoneri will be playing Champions League football in 2021-22 for the first time since the 2013-14 season, with the team having also achieved a second-placed finish after a largely positive season.
Franck Kessie’s brace from the penalty spot would be enough in Bergamo as Atalanta became Pioli’s victims for the first time as Milan boss, ensuring that the Diavolo have beaten every other team in Serie A in 2020-21.
Below is the letter sent by Gazidis to the Milan employees after obtaining a Champions League return last night, as relayed by MilanNews and translated below.
“Dear Colleague,
“After an exciting evening, for those who love the Rossoneri colours, we conclude an exciting season with extraordinary happiness by entering the Champions League, with all our teams.
“In a difficult historical moment for anyone in the world, including all Milanese and AC Milan fans, we are truly proud to have reached this important milestone for the Club together.
“We are still at the beginning of an ambitious path: to bring Milan back to where it deserves, at the top of world football, by creating an innovative model, on and off the pitch, with a solid and sustainable future, through strong values in which to reflect.
“But despite the difficulties also due to the effect of the Pandemic, our reality is increasingly concrete. We are a club that has aroused great emotions, which has proven its worth on the pitch, expressing a cutting-edge identity, with a unique model on the pitch, with young talents and significant growth potential. We are a Club that is committed to achieving financial sustainability and has confirmed itself as a recognised and admired brand internationally.
“These are the foundations that we have built and that we will further strengthen, from tomorrow, with renewed energy and ambition, together with the Technical Area, all the management and collaborators of the Club. We have taken the right path and we must continue our path together, with the support of our wonderful fans and our prestigious partners.
“I know very well that these are still difficult times and for this I want to thank all of you, for what you do and demonstrate every day for the Club. Let’s continue like this: together, we are the strength of this club, we are the spirit and energy of Milan.
“Forza Milan, always!”
Calciomercato.com are reporting that an extra €50m will enter the club’s coffers and that allows the Rossoneri to have a rather exciting summer transfer window.
