Aleksander Ceferin handed former Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi the UEFA President’s Award for 2022, paying tribute to his incredible career.
Sacchi famously became Milan coach in 1987, where he revolutionised football and turned the Rossoneri into one of the most dominant club teams of all time. In the Lombardy capital, the Italian coach won a Scudetto, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups, among other honours. Sacchi then became Italy coach in 1991, guiding the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final.
Ceferin decided to pay tribute to Sacchi’s incredible career with the UEFA President’s Award this year, recognising his contribution to the game.
The UEFA president explained the reason behind his decision with a smile, highlighting that ”his teams were attacking home and away, he was never afraid, that’s why Milan back then was quite unbeatable. It’s a surprise to me that a team can attack all the time, especially an Italian team!”
Sacchi then appeared to receive the award in person, discussing his appreciation.
“I feel very emotional. I want to thank those who gave me this wonderful gift. I worked the hardest I could, but never thought I’d receive this kind of recognition. Thank you.”
He then reflected on if any current teams play in an approach similar to his own.
“Foreign clubs in general are almost always close to my style, we are starting to see in Italy some who want to play like heroes, an entertaining football that passes on emotion. If this sport doesn’t pass on emotion, it will lose appeal.
“That requires constant evolution, because the world moves at such super-sonic levels that you lose sight of things and that goes for football too.
“I hope that teams will win with merit, by entertaining, by playing well and by putting on a show. And for those 11 men to become a team, and that is the most improbable thing to achieve.”
UEFA also played a short video reflecting on Sacchi’s illustrious career and the memories of his Milan side.
Award for being a social whiner
What career? Look at his stats. Without the legendary Dutch trio and defence, he didn’t do anything else. The WC final was purely Baggio. His insistence of playing Berti and then not playing in form Zola and Signori cost Italy that world cup. Then he spent the rest of his time slinging mud at every other manager.
Lord Cherubini PHD of Mercato
Arrigo @Milan – 2 european cups
Gobbi since 1897 – 2 european cups
Amen @Rosario
Why complain guys?
The guy won the CL twice and he was “no one” when he signed with Milan.
Well deserved. Absolute legend.