Milan board member reveals players ‘love’ Amorim and Cardinale has ‘great energy’

By: Oliver Fisher

AC Milan board member Riccardo Stefanelli has revealed the positive impressions he has received from Gerry Cardinale and Ruben Amorim.

Milan have had a mixed start to the season on the field. They have won seven of their first 11 games in Serie A which is a decent return, and puts them in the top four. However, they have lost three of four in the Europa League, leaving them outside the top 24 spots.

Off the field, things continue to be very busy. Markus Krösche is all set to become the new Head of Football, which the new stadium project was launched late last month, and a bumper deal with Adidas has apparently been signed off on as well.

Stefanelli – a prominent member of AC Milan’s board of directors – spoke to TMW on the night he received the ‘La Clessidra’ award for his career. He answered questions on a number of different topics, including the owner and the head coach.

How was the meeting with Cardinale?

“I’m honoured. It’s an award that has acquired a very valid meaning over time, I’m happy about it. It was born from a contact with Gerry Cardinale. We met in July 2022 and began discussing football, fantasising about his ideas for the project.

“I remember that conflicting visions arose on how to do football and business, but today the approach taken is the one Cardinale personally wanted, with enthusiasm, confidence, and consistency. I’ve always been a Milan fan, and I couldn’t help but accept Gerry’s proposal.”

What is that vision?

“Gerry has a great energy to do well. Milan must achieve sporting goals first, then there are external projects like the stadium, which are very important.

“It’s always nice to win the derby, almost like winning this award. Even though we’re behind in the table, it was a special moment, something that happens often lately.”

And what do you know of Amorim?

“I haven’t met him, but he’s a serious, young guy. The players love him. As a fan, you always want to be first, but this is a tough league with so many big teams. I’m pleased because you can see a project emerging.”

The new stadium is another crucial thing for the owner…

“It was one of Cardinale’s goals: to build a stadium for AC Milan’s present and future. It should be completed by 2031 and will restore dignity and importance to the city of Milan.”