Silvio Berlusconi has passed away at the age of 86, and both the tributes and reaction continue to pour in with Italy losing one of its larger than life characters.
Berlusconi’s passing was confirmed this morning and you can read what some of the most influential figures in Milan’s history from Baresi and Nesta to Maldini and Inzaghi had to say about the news in our round-up.
In addition to that, we tried to summarise his time with Milan in a feature looking back at his 31-year tenure as the owner and president, which yielded 29 trophies and countless memories.
It would be fair to call Berlusconi a divisive figure too as he was never frightened of speaking his mind, so it is only right that we put together some of his best quotes regarding the Rossoneri.
1. ‘Beautiful women also cost a lot’
We start with something that he said when he bought Milan, outlining that there was more than just financial investment planned.
“Milan? It’s an affair of the heart. It’s expensive, but the most beautiful women also cost a lot.”
2. ‘We are the most famous thing about Italy’
Back in 1995, Berlusconi made it clear that he knew Milan had a far-reaching influence after their recent European success, but were still not on a part with two other Italian ‘exports’.
“We hope to have put together a team capable of putting on a show because we have certain responsibilities towards our fans and the rest of the world, where we are the most famous thing about Italy… after the mafia and pizza.”
3. ‘You are a bit like my Milan’
Many people might presume telling the Pope he is like a football club is a bad idea, but not Silvio.
“Your Holiness, let me say that you are a bit like my Milan: we both often go away from home to bring a winning idea to the world.”
4. ‘It seems as if I do not exist!’
Back in 2004, Berlusconi made it known that he felt he deserved more credit from the media for building the great Milan sides where the star players got all the praise.
“They speak of the Milan of Sacchi, Zaccheroni and Ancelotti and never talk of the Milan of Berlusconi. Yet it is I who for 18 years has been picking the team, stating the rules and buying the players. It seems as if I do not exist!”
5. ‘The son that all mothers want’
It would be fair to say that Berlusconi took a bit of a shine to Ricardo Kaka and his youthful innocence.
“Kaka is the son that all mothers want and the husband that all wives would like.”
6. ‘Obliged to play with at least two strikers’
It became well-known that Berlusconi had his own thoughts on how Milan should play from time to time, and he sent a strong message to Carlo Ancelotti.
“I’ll send a letter: from Monday any Milan coach will be obliged to play with at least two strikers. It’s not a request, it’s an obligation.”
7. ‘No one has come forward’
When rumours of a sale began to swirl in 2009, the Milan owner and president made it clear that he was looking for a special kind of buyer.
“I would make the sacrifice to sell Milan only to someone who would benefit the club more than me. Up to now, no one has come forward who fits the bill.”
8. ‘The top in Italy, in Europe and in the world’
Berlusconi was always an ambitious man and owner. After the Champions League final win against Liverpool in 2007, he proclaimed that the Rossoneri were on top of the world.
“Twenty-one years ago, when we took Milan on the verge of bankruptcy, we set ourselves a goal: to take the team to the top in Italy, in Europe and in the world. Well, we did it!”
9. ‘A symbol of the beauty of football’
Many icons of football came and went during Berlusconi’s time as Milan owner but he rarely expressed much favouritism. That lasted until an interview with Corriere dello Sport in 2020.
“The history of my Milan has been one of great champions, who made every fan dream, myself included. I always established established a personal relationship of esteem and affection with my boys,” he said.
“But if I really have to name [my favourite], I choose Marco Van Basten, a symbol of the beauty of football as I understand it. A legendary protagonist who left an unfillable void when he had to leave the field too soon.”
10. ‘With pain and emotion’
Some accused Berlusconi of hanging onto Milan for too long without investing the money required to keep pace with other clubs, but it became clear when he did sell just how difficult it was for him to part with his beloved club.
“Today, after more than 30 years, I am leaving the title and office of president of AC Milan. I do it with pain and emotion, but with the knowledge that to compete at the highest level in modern football requires investments and resources that a single family is no longer able to sustain… Thanks again to everyone.”
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