Milan legend Franco Baresi, who turns 60 today, hopes to see Serie A 2019/20 resume and believes the Rossoneri ‘can return to the top’ of Italian football.
The World Cup winner points out ‘it‘s not easy’ for the players to return to empty stadiums after the long forced break, but insists ‘football must prove to be an example of responsibility’.
Milan legend Franco Baresi, who turns 60 today, hopes to see Serie A 2019/20 resume and believes the Rossoneri ‘can return to the top’ of Italian football.
The World Cup winner points out ‘it‘s not easy’ for the players to return to empty stadiums after the long forced break, but insists ‘football must prove to be an example of responsibility’.
“I know the fans hope the championship will resume and that it can be completed,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “But if I put myself in the shoes of the players, it’s not that easy.
“Playing in empty stadiums is not easy. If they are safe and if there are responsible behaviours, I think it’s right to start again, to provide joy.
“An extra hope for everyone because football must prove to be an example of responsibility. I hope that the championship can be completed, then the experts will decide when.”
Baresi is a symbol of a highly successful era at San Siro, helping the club to six Scudetti and three European crowns during his 20 years with the club.
“Milan are my life. In every club there are cycles with changes. There has been a change of ownership. Berlusconi remained for 30 years and that, of course, is a favourable point.
“Today, there’s a lot of competition and it’s not easy because there are different rules, such as the Financial Fairy Play, that must be respected.
“I still think Milan can return to the top.”
About his proposed move to Juventus in 1982, Baresi claimed he ‘never considered’ leaving the Rossoneri.
“It was just rumours, the request never came to me personally and I think Milan never wanted to sell me,” he added. “I grew up at this club and I didn’t even consider it.
“That year, they made me the captain. I’m not sure if I was ready, but I learned along the way.”
Former RB Leipizig coach Ralf Rangnick has been linked with a Milan revolution and a complete change of the setup at Casa Milan.
“We must never be prevented from news. That’s my prerogative. Then we would miss it,” he said. “Now, there’s a coach and a club that will decide, there are people who will have to decide for the best.
“I believe the club must always be at the base of it, there’s no need for individuality but for cohesion. We must think together without forgetting the history of the club and its philosophy.”
The former hero praised the current captain Alessio Romagnoli and his ‘understanding’ of the role as leader at Milan.
“We know the qualities of Alessio, one of the best players we have in Italy. He has been with Milan for several years and I think he understands the importance of wearing the Rossoneri shirt.
“The armband is a piece of fabric, but it has an incredible effect on the one who wears it.”
Technical director Paolo Maldini faces an uncertain future at Milanello and Baresi doesn’t want to speculate.
“It’s difficult to answer when we don’t know what Paolo thinks,” he added. “I would avoid making assumptions, we know who he was and what he did for Milan.”
And the jubilant concluded by encouraging Gigio Donnarumma to stay put at San Siro.
“The opportunities are different from my times, giving advice is always very difficult,” he said. “If I were Donnarumma, I would not hesitate to stay”.