Pier Silvio Berlusconi has enthused at Milan’s decision to keep hold of Stephan El Shaarawy and affirms that the Rossoneri are not too far behind Juventus” data-scaytid=”5″>Juventus.
Pier Silvio Berlusconi has enthused at Milan’s decision to keep hold of Stephan El Shaarawy and affirms that the Rossoneri are not too far behind Juventus.
Vice-President of Mediaset, the 44-year-old took questions on the Rossoneri in presenting the autumn schedule for the broadcasting firm, beginning with the news that the Rossoneri are keeping hold of striker El Shaarawy.
“As a Milan fan I am happy that El Shaarawy is removed from the market and is staying,” reflected Berlusconi to reporters this week.
“Despite his young age he is a champion, but he still has much to prove. It is a choice that depended upon my father.
“I expect maximum commitment for next year because he has talent and with his age he can improve a lot.
“His ups and downs last season? Maybe he has suffered from the media explosion around him. For a very young lad it can happen.”
Berlusconi was also enthusiastic about El Shaarawy’s strike-partner Mario Balotelli.
“I love Balotelli, because he is a great champion. Technically and physically he is outstanding, one of the best in the world.
“He is still young, he can only get better, and there is a very wide scope for his potential, if he continues on this path.
“I’m a fan of Mario and so justify everything that he does. He always makes the news, in the field with his goals, but also out of the field, with everything that he does.
“Did Italy play their best game of the Confederations Cup in his absence? I do not know… In Milan he is critical and we hope that he always played because he decides games.”
Carlos Tevez’ agent commented that the Rossoneri were back in for the Argentine before his move to Juventus was completed last week.
“Juve have taken him, but we are strong too. We have Balotelli and El Shaarawy, and with them fit and at their level, I do not see a big difference with the Bianconeri – I remain hopeful.
“Of course they are strong and have strengthened their squad with passing years. Milan must continue its growth and aim to improve results obtained from this year.
“It will not be easy to do better at either Italian or international level, where we will face the giants.”
Pier Silvio was thought to be an advocate from the start for Milan to keep Massimiliano Allegri as Coach.
“Having held on to Allegri was the right choice and I absolutely agree. I was and always have been for his confirmation.
“With the team that we have given him he has done well and I think that this is also the belief of my father, who has kept him in the end.
“Allegri has done well and has deserved to stay.”
The Milan President’s son was asked of the possibility of seeing rivals Inter sell a majority shareholding to Erick Thohir.
“If there are foreigners who are willing and able to invest in our football then it is a good thing, but I think of this sport with romance and passion.
“And my dad sees it the same way, which is why he has never sold his shares. When you hear the word Milan, the colours change to red and black.”