December 8 – AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has defended a controversial plan to demolish the iconic San Siro and replace it with a €690 million stadium to ensure the club’s future.
On Tuesday, AC Milan were eliminated from the Champions League by Liverpool following a 1-2 defeat at the San Siro, the iconic stadium that has served as the home ground for both Milan clubs and was a centrepiece of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
However, there is no doubt that the stadium has become antiquated, a view shared by Gazidis, who believes a new stadium is imperative for AC Milan to keep competing both domestically and continentally.
“I understand the doubts, because San Siro is a special place, but it’s necessary to have courage,” said Gazidis on the club’s official website. “Feelings exist and cannot be questioned. The memories of San Siro will be there forever, no one will be able to erase them, it’s impossible.”
His words have however elicited criticism from former owner and Italian strongman Silvio Berlusconi.
In the past, Milan and Inter have agreed to work towards a new stadium, but that partnership has developed slowly with potential plans hitting multiple roadblocks. The clubs launched a feasibility study into the redevelopment of the stadium and the surrounding area after they were told by local authorities that they can’t knock down the old stadium.
“Every League in the world that has been successful has done so by building new stadiums, with an incredible and inclusive experience for the fans,” said Gazidis.
“We have everything that is needed: the football, the people, fans. I see a brilliant future, you just need to have courage. Creating new stadiums is a fundamental step if we want to be at the top of the football world again.”
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