AC Milan CEO, Ivan Gazidis, talked from the Dubai EXPO about the development of football and its future. Here are some of his statements:
"I had a unique career in football, which started in 1994 in the US to organise the MLS. We had to create a new model for football, sustainable. Then in 2009 I went to Arsenal, as chief executive, supporting Arsene Wenger in the new stadium, the Emirates Stadium. Three years ago I had the honour of arriving at Milan, which was in a bad period. Milan is a global brand with millions of fans."
On the future of football:
"I believe that green and cultural sustainability are relevant to the future of football. Football is an interesting mix of many elements. People are passionate about football personally. If a team loses, in the following week a fan will be emotional down. You have to be able to acquire this passion from the fans. They are important values. The central message of football will be lost if the economic and financial aspects are not controlled from transfers to wages", said Gazidis.
On the new stadium project:
"It is necessary to build a new stadium. New stadiums are accessible to everyone. The transformation into the Premier League stadiums has radically changed English football, becoming a sort of Super League. Italian football has fallen because it has not invested in infrastructures. Building a new green and sustainable stadium in Milan is extraordinary and it is essential to return to the top: both on and off the pitch."
Gazidis on the Cathedral design of the new stadium:
"It took us three years to design the stadium. And we finally got the approval. It will be totally private."
On the importance of AC Milan's presence in the Gulf region:
"The numbers are impressive. We are trying to increase engagement in these areas as well. We have a long partnership with Emirates. Both we and them have values that are always marked towards the future. We grow together. We have many fans in these regions. We want to bring the team here. Gulf is an important region, we have to be here."
