Milan chief Ivan Gazidis has revealed the ‘honor’ he felt arriving at San Siro in December 2018, after spending almost a decade at Arsenal. The 57-year-old Rossoneri executive shed light on his journey to Milan, which began when he joined the founding management team of Major League Soccer back in the early 1990s.
Speaking at EXPO2020 in Dubai, Gazidis also spoke on the difference it makes to miss out on the Champions League, having qualified this season after a decade long hiatus.
“I had a unique career in football, which began in 1994 in the United States by organizing the MLS. We had to create a new sustainable model for football. Then in 2009 I went to Arsenal, as chief executive, alongside Arsene Wenger in the new stadium, the Emirates Stadium,” he said.
The South African-born executive disclosed that it was Milan’s project for the future that enticed him to Lombardy.
He continued: “Three years ago I had the honor of arriving at Milan, which was facing a bad period. Milan is a brand global with millions of fans. There was no better project for me.” (via MilanNews)
Milan’s last appearance in the UEFA Champions League before this season was during the 2013/14 campaign, when they were eliminated by runners-up Atletico Madrid by a dreadful 5-1 aggregate score line.
“Entering the Champions League or not, from a financial standpoint makes a huge difference. It can have a major impact on clubs. It is as important for us as the difference between a promotion or a relegation can be for others.” (via MilanNews).
Milan face familiar foes and league leaders Inter in the highly-anticipated Derby della Madonnina encounter on the weekend, as the Rossoneri look to narrow the four-point gap between them and the Nerazzurri.