Milan legend Dejan Savicevic has driven over 1,200 km from Podgorica to Milan to attend Silvio Berlusconi’s funeral today: ‘He was like a second father to me.’
The former Rossoneri star was one of Berlusconi’s most brilliant signings at Milan. He joined the Rossoneri in 1992 after winning the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade.
“The President was like a second father to me. I will say goodbye to him for one last time. It’s been tough,” Savicevic told Gazzetta.
The 56-year-old will be at Milan’s Dome today, Wednesday, June 14, to attend Berlusconi’s funeral at 15:00 local time, 14:00 GMT+1.
It’s a state funeral and the Italian Government has declared a national day of mourning today. Savicevic was initially advised against going to Milan.
“I spoke to Daniele Massaro telling him that I could have taken a flight at 11 am, but he told me to wait because it’s a funeral state and there are strict rules and safety restrictions,” said Savicevic.
“He called again after a while, saying that I could go, so I left from Podgorica to Milan by car. I will be at the Dome today, I could not have missed it.”
This means Savicevic has driven 1,200 km from the Capital of Montenegro in a 13-hour trip.
The Rossoneri legend explained why he had such a solid bond with Berlusconi.
“I felt his love and he always defended me,” he said.
“I made big errors, but he would always solve everything, telling me to remain quiet and have patience.
“Once, I refused to go on the bench against Anderlecht. It caused such a big mess, Fabio Capello was furious. Berlusconi said he was right, but also added: ‘Dejan must be understood, he is a champion and he suffers when he doesn’t play.'”
Savicevic also revealed that he snubbed a move to Juventus to join the Rossoneri in 1992.
“It was quick. Juventus also wanted me, but Ariedo Braida came to Belgrade and we signed. It was all very easy.”
Savicevic scored 34 goals in 144 appearances with the Rossoneri, winning, among other trophies, three Serie A titles and one European Cup (now Champions League).