1995 Ballon d’Or winner George Weah reflected on his time with Milan, his thoughts on the club’s decision to sack Paolo Maldini and his memories of the late Silvio Berlusconi.
The Liberian striker famously spent five years with the Rossoneri from 1995 to 2000, helping the club win two Scudetti. After retiring from football in 2003, Weah turned to politics and became the 25th president of Liberia in 2018.
Milan have been in a tumultuous state since Gerry Cardinale’s decision to dismiss fan favourite Maldini from his role as technical director. The move has been widely criticised, with many concerned about the club’s future under owners RedBird.
Speaking on pages 12 and 13 of today’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Weah first reflected on his favourite moments from his playing days with Milan.
“Difficult to choose. My decisive goal against Roma at the Olimpico perhaps, the victory in Turin against Juve in 1999. The Scudetti won in comebacks were beautiful, when you believe in a goal and you have quality, you always achieve it.”
He gave his thoughts on the Rossoneri’s decision to dismiss Maldini.
“Paolo is a champion. I spoke to him and told him, ‘Paolo, you mustn’t get down, work is like that, all work needs results’. Milan stopped at the Champions League semi-final and that gave reason to send him away.
“But his work at the club was good and will not be destroyed. Did you see how long it took Guardiola to win the Champions League with City? Yet Guardiola is very good. It takes time, but Paolo has great skills and will still be successful as a director.”
Weah then spoke about former Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, who passed away last week.
“Do you know who has always believed in me? Silvio Berlusconi. He said I would be a great president for my country. I am very saddened by his death. For me he was never just the president of Milan or the Italian Prime Minister.
“I remember when I arrived at Milan from France, I played in the Berlusconi trophy and I missed a penalty. They started to criticise me, but he said: ‘It can happen to miss a penalty, it doesn’t matter. George will make history with Milan. And we won the Ballon d’Or’.
Finally, Weah spoke about his son Timothy, who plays for Lille and the United States national team.
“I’m very proud of him, we’re all proud in the family, including George Junior who had to give up because of too many knee problems. Timothy is looking around, let’s see, he is talking to some clubs. He is still young and will find his way in European football.”