One man in football is known the world over for alighting from a helicopter and creating history. His name is Silvio Berlusconi.
On February 20, 1986, Berlusconi saved AC Milan from bankruptcy and generously laid the foundation for the most successful era in the club’s history. He is recognized as the most successful president ever, possessing a cabinet decorated with pride and splendor, accumulated by generations of world-class footballing talents. A time has come when the man is required to enter the Milanello in his chopper, again.
The President (and owner) of the AC Milan, Berlusconi, has decided to ‘pay’ more attention to the club. His visits have been more frequent. He meets and greets the players, gives them grooming tips, addresses their football-related issues and also provides them with advice concerning their personal life. His role to mentor is birthed out of a genuine plea to integrate the squad and assimilate the crew on the board of a sinking ship.
Many noticed an immediate influence on the squad, which stunned Juventus at the San Siro on the 26th of November, 2012. Milan put in a highly spirited performance and overpowered a genuine giant of European football.
Following that influential trip to the Milanello, Berlusconi made his appearances a bit of a habit. His impact has waned, even if the team is picking up crucial points. But, his increased involvement is a sign that the man hasn’t forgotten this glorious beast he had created. It needed a touch of love, remembrance, and he appears to be doing justice in pouring out his compassion and support upon it.
With the sudden surge of his tangible interest in the squad, voices are suggesting investment in the upcoming transfer window. Rumors indicate three players will arrive to strengthen the squad, players who will hit the ground running and become a significant part of the core going forward. The names being floated include Mario Balotelli, Vlad Chiriches and Javier Pastore.
Berlusconi might be a rich oligarch, but he isn’t stupid or obscure concerning the matters related to the sport. He has run a sporting mammoth for the last twenty-six years, building a brand etched firmly in the minds of the common man. He knows his business. He is aware of the failings and requirements of the side and would do what he can to address them. He might not have the spending power of Russian billionaires or oil merchants, but he can still flex his financial muscle if essential. So, let’s not merrily write him off just yet. Those signings are possible, if he deems them possible.
A team is being built, players will arrive, players will leave. Milan has a plan, one in which Berlusconi appears to have faith. He stated that he doesn’t intend to sign players above twenty-three years of age in the future. However, the future is here, it’s now. With the ascendency of Stephan El Shaarawy, Mattia De Sciglio and Riccardo Montolivo, Milan have partially built a core going forward. Alexandre Pato, Nigel De Jong and Urby Emanuelson are likely to form other components of the core with Andrea Consigli rumored to join in the summer.
Foreign investment is no longer a taboo for the controversial ruler. He is willing to share this pet with others, because he is aware that it’s too pampered now to abide by his rules. Arabs and Chinese investors are licking their lips in anticipation, apparently, waiting to swoop in at the right opportunity. Milan management, although vehement in their denials about selling the club, would be willing to sit across the table and negotiate.
Berlusconi is aware of the road ahead, and seeking support, albeit a lethal blow to his honor, is fundamentally necessary to retain Milan’s competency. The ex-prime minister of Italy might be old, but he isn’t senile. He will do what’s best for the club, even if it’s poorly perceived by the public. Ultimately, every fan wants an owner who loves the club. And there is little doubt about how Berlusconi feels about this football club.
Follow Rajath Kumar on twitter @rajathkumar. You can also read his AC Milan blog titled Milan and Me; The Love Affair
