AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi says he would "not hesitate" in taking back control of the Serie A club if a proposed sale to a group of Chinese investors falls through.
The Sino-Europe Group (SEG) were due to complete a takeover of the Rossoneri on Friday, but they missed the March 3 deadline for the deal to be done.
They have already paid Berlusconi's Fininvest group -- Milan's majority shareholders -- two separate deposits of €100 million and earned two extensions to finalise their acquisition of the club. Doubts are therefore growing as to whether they will ever provide the €740m required to complete the deal, but Berlusconi says he has no concerns either way.
"I wouldn't say [there is anything to worry about]," he told Il Tempo. "They have asked us for a brief extension and I don't see any cause for concern right now. We're talking about a financial transaction which is not only of a significant value, but also complex in view of the laws in China.
"Besides this, the investors have already paid substantial deposits and I can see the seriousness in their intentions. This is important not only for the Fininvest group, but above all for Milan fans. I said from day one that I would only pass the club into good hands."
If he is unable to do that with SEG, he will once again play a more active role in the way the club is being run.
"For me, having to give up Milan is painful," he said. "Buying them, making them grow, guiding them to all the trophies in the world -- this was not just an investment but an act of love.
"The fans don't need to worry. If the conditions are not net, I would not hesitate to take back control, but objectively I cannot see any reason why this should happen."