Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 9y

Silvio Berlusconi still targeting investment in AC Milan

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi says he is still seeking an investment of funds for the Serie A club, although no matter what happens he will be remaining at the San Siro.

The former prime minister of Italy was in advanced talks with Thai investor Bee Taechaubol, who left Milan a fortnight ago having failed to conclude a deal.

Chinese investors have approached Berlusconi, but he insists no matter how big a stake he eventually does sell, he will be remaining as club president.

"I think the situation's pretty clear now," he told TelePadova. "A lot of foreign capital has entered the world of football, such as from Qatar, and one single family can no longer cut it with such competition.

"A club with 300,000 different members could cope, but this isn't possible in Italy for various reasons. So I've been thinking about, and I still am thinking about finding investors on the international market, even approaching countries who could improve their own image with the AC Milan brand.

"Everybody I have spoken to so far has asked me to stay because they say that the Milan brand is associated with Berlusconi.

"We've negotiated [for the sale of] 50 percent, and 50.51 and 49 percent. With one country, we discussed [the sale of] 75 percent and 25 percent. If this thing does progress, then we will return to being competitive in Italy, in Europe and in the world.

"If it doesn't work out, then I will continue to make my own sacrifices. My idea is to make it an Italian Milan -- an Italian national team, above all with youngsters from our academy."

Berlusconi recently criticised current coach Filippo Inzaghi, whose contract expires in 2016, for failing to do that this season, but he has stopped short of sacking the 41-year-old.

"I've not sacked anybody," Berlusconi said. "All I said was that I've often had disagreements with Inzaghi, but he's the coach and I've let him make his own decisions, like I have done with all of my coaches. He's not sacked and he will continue his work here."

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