AC Milan's president, Paolo Scaroni, has spoken to the microphones of Milan News about different topics, including the new stadium project and the possible return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the team. Here are his words:
AC Milan is working on the San Donato hypothesis for the construction of the new stadium. How is the dialogue with the Municipality progressing?
"For over four years, we have embarked on a path to provide our Club with one of the best stadiums in the world, capable of leading us towards a winning and sustainable future. In September, we took a first formal step by presenting to the Municipality of San Donato Milanese a proposal for a Modification of the Implementation Plan (PII) for the area called 'San Francesco,' and now we are awaiting further developments. We want to build the most beautiful stadium in the world, and in our plans, the first match will be at the beginning of the 2028-2029 season."
Let's also clarify the concerns of some residents in the area where the new stadium could be built: what does the plan in San Donato not include?
"Firstly, our proposal does not involve an increase in volume compared to the Intervention Plan approved in 2021, which remains at 108,100 square meters. However, there will be a significant increase in usable green areas, which will go from about 80,000 to 235,000 square meters. In the areas related to the South Milan Agricultural Park, there will be no above-ground construction, only permeable green parking lots. On the other hand, street parking in the residential center of San Donato Milanese or in the Chiaravalle area will not be used. The safety of the entire area will be guaranteed by the use of innovative control and monitoring systems, both inside and outside the facility."
Recently, we read about inaccuracies regarding the volumes of the stadium in San Donato. Can you clarify for the readers?
"The data communicated and present in the deposited document unequivocally state that:
- In terms of overall development indices, in the face of the 108,100 square meters Gross Leasable Area (GLA) provided for by the approved PII in 2021, the modification request impacts the same 108,100 square meters GLA, all located in the original area called 'San Francesco,' totaling 300,000 square meters.
- The new proposal involves an increase in the intervention area by 160,000 square meters in which no buildings will be constructed. Instead, it envisions a publicly accessible park and services (green parking lots and bike paths), which in the new presented project nearly triple the total usable green area, which would therefore increase from 80,000 square meters to 235,000 square meters."
Some still talk about it; could you reiterate why it is not advisable to renovate the San Siro stadium?
"As already emphasized many times, the renovation of the Meazza facility is impossible: from a practical point of view, both Milan and Inter play a number of matches at San Siro, including league, national, and international cups, which makes it unfeasible to carry out heavy construction work in that stadium. Additionally, there are no suitable alternative facilities available at a reasonable distance to temporarily host us. That said, we need a new stadium, innovative, that provides a unique experience for spectators and ensures the necessary revenues to keep the Club in the elite of European football, projecting us towards the future that Milan deserves."
The new facility is a top priority for Gerry Cardinale. How involved do you see him in this project? Scaroni said:
"The new stadium is very important in RedBird's strategic vision for Milan's growth on and off the field. Gerry Cardinale, with RedBird, boasts extensive experience in building new facilities and has chosen two international excellences like CAA ICON and MANICA for the design and construction of Milan's new stadium. The project development is led by Tim Romani, who in his professional career has overseen the realization of iconic facilities such as the Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Chase Center, which hosts the Golden State Warriors' games in the NBA. The involvement of these world-class experts is the most evident proof of the ownership's determination to have a top-level project for our new stadium."
There has been talk about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to Milan, what is the situation? Scaroni said:
"At the moment, there are no significant updates. From our part, we have always shown him great respect and affection: personally, it is always a pleasure to meet and talk with him. As they say in English: time will tell."
Coach Stefano Pioli is not going through an easy moment, are you always standing by the coach?
"First and foremost, we must always stand by Milan: this means continuing to support not only the coach but also his entire staff and the team, especially at this moment when I read exaggerated criticisms. We must stay united and work with a positive spirit. After all, after 10 rounds of the championship, with a schedule judged very demanding by everyone, we have obtained 22 points and are in high positions in the standings. Furthermore, I am accustomed to judging the work of professionals and managers based on end-of-season results. And I would like to remind you that the performances of recent years, in which Stefano Pioli has been a protagonist, have given great satisfaction to all our fans."
A comment also on the positive balance sheet after 17 years. Exceptional result. Is the next step to reach 500 million in annual revenues? Scaroni said:
"The just-approved balance sheet is the most evident testimony that combining sporting performance, international competitiveness, and financial sustainability in football, within a virtuous path, is possible. When I became president of Milan, we had revenues of less than 200 million. Now we have managed to double them, and we want to continue to grow, as revenues are the fuel that powers our entire organization, allowing us to invest in the sporting component. These objectives have been achieved through the constant support of the ownership, the work of the entire Club management, and thanks to the sporting results we have achieved in recent years."
Additional elements related to the stadium issue emerge that can help provide clarity...
"On traffic: the interventions outlined in the proposal document fall within the project budget. Therefore, they are not a burden on the public but will be paid for by the developer and will later be transferred free of charge to the Municipality of San Donato and ASPI (Italian highway operator). In total, over €80 million will be invested in improving the infrastructural works", said Scaroni.
Regarding parking, Scaroni added:
"As for another important issue in terms of accessibility and flow management, such as parking, it should be emphasized that the project envisages a more than proportionate and adequate number. In particular, about 79% of fans will be able to find parking, taking into consideration the parking spaces inside the site and immediately nearby. For a concrete comparison: today, the parking spaces in the site and near San Siro can only accommodate around 25%, which is roughly one-third."
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