La Gazzetta dello Sport interviewed the 1995 Ballon d'Or winner George Weah. The Liberian president has a close connection with Italy and especially fond memories of the Rossoneri club. He mentions a few of them himself: "It's difficult to choose. Maybe my decisive goal against Roma at the Olimpico, or the victory against Juventus in Turin in 1999. The comeback Scudettos were beautiful: when you believe in an objective and have quality, you always achieve it."
Weah not only spoke about his past with Milan. When asked about Paolo Maldini, with whom he shared the field, the Liberian comments:
"Paolo is a champion. I've spoken to him and told him, 'Paolo, you mustn't be discouraged. That's how the job is, all jobs require results.' Milan stopped at the Champions League semifinals and gave reason to let him go. But his work at the club is good and won't be undone. Have you seen how long it took Guardiola to win the Champions League with City? Yet Guardiola is excellent. It takes time, but Paolo has great abilities and will succeed as a director."
On Berlusconi, George Weah said:
"You know who always believed in me? Silvio Berlusconi. He said I would be a great president for my country. I am very saddened by his death. He was never just the president of Milan or the Italian Prime Minister to me. I remember when I arrived at Milan from France, I played in the Berlusconi Trophy and missed a penalty. People started criticizing, but he said, 'Missing a penalty can happen; it doesn't matter. George will make history with Milan.' And we won the Ballon d'Or."
On his son, Timothy Weah who plays for Lille as a right-winger:
"Timothy? I'm very proud of him. We are all proud in the family, including George Junior, who had to quit due to too many knee problems. Timothy is exploring his options: we'll see, he's talking to some clubs. He's still young and will find his path in European football."
