Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly in talks with club President Silvio Berlusconi over the possibility of Gazprom investing in Milan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly in talks with club President Silvio Berlusconi over the possibility of Gazprom investing in Milan.
Berlusconi, who is also the former Prime Minister of Italy and a good friend of Putin’s, spoke to Milan Channel last week and for the first time ever admitted that the club is open to foreign investors.
“Foreign investors? The doors are open for anyone who wants to help our squad. We have Milan in our hearts and we’re thinking about what’s best for Milan.”
The statement is timely, some might say, since Milan recently cleared their debt by selling superstars Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG, thus making the club’s finances more attractive for investors.
“Our finances will be in order for the next three to four years”, Berlusconi told Milan Channel.
This weekend, Berlusconi reportedly traveled to Russia to pay Putin a visit. The purpose of the trip is said to be a non-political matter and the stay will last for four days, with Berlusconi returning to Italy today.
It’s speculated that the two Presidents have had serious discussions about Putin investing in Milan through government-run company Gazprom.
The natural gas provider is currently the main sponsor of German club Schalke 04, Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit St Petersburg and Serbian side Red Star Belgrade.
Rumors have been floating around for quite some time that Putin would be interested in putting money into Milan, something the club now seems open to.