AC Milan Owner Outlines Vision for Club’s Future

AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale recently discussed his plans for the storied Italian club, addressing criticisms and explaining some controversial decisions. In comments published by Harvard Business School, Cardinale defended his goal of making Milan a “five billion euro company” while criticizing what he sees as unsustainable practices by rival clubs.

Cardinale insisted he is not trying to “Americanize” AC Milan, but rather introduce elements that can “elevate Milan to the next level.” He emphasized the need to balance winning with financial sustainability, stating that overspending on star players is “the worst thing you can do as an investor.”

Regarding the sale of midfielder Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United, Cardinale said it was an opportunistic move based on an “excellent offer” rather than financial necessity. He claimed the €70 million transfer fee allowed Milan to “buy six new players and completely revamp the squad.”

The American businessman also defended his decision to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic onto Milan’s board, saying he wanted “world-class individuals who can make us better” rather than just celebrity appointments.

While acknowledging fans’ desire to win the Serie A title every year, Cardinale said his focus is on consistent Champions League qualification and deep runs in European competition to maximize cash flow and brand value. He contrasted this approach with Inter Milan, claiming their owners “went bankrupt” after winning the league title.

Cardinale faces an uphill battle in winning over skeptical Milan supporters, but he remains committed to his vision of modernizing the club while respecting its storied history and tradition. The coming seasons will likely determine whether his strategy can deliver both on-field success and financial stability for the Rossoneri.