Giorgio Furlani has granted an interview to the microphones of Radio Serie A. Here are his words about the important victory against Paris Saint-Germain:
"Let's try not to get too carried away with victories and not to get discouraged in defeats; what matters is the project in the medium to long term. There is unity of purpose among everyone. Winning in the Champions League is enjoyable and important: I hope it sets a precedent. A victory against the richest team in Europe and one of the strongest makes us particularly happy."
Furlani continued:
"In recent years, we have seen how Italian football is regaining competitiveness, in a context where there are several unwritten rules that make us less competitive, such as the impossibility of stadiums or difficulties with contracts; the Growth Decree is the only rule that helps us because it allows us to attract talent that, in fact, as Italian teams, we could not afford. On a national economic level, moreover, it seems madness to go against the Growth Decree: having talent and advancing in Europe means having a higher share in global television rights, increasing sponsors, and so on. Declining hundreds of millions of euros entering the country seems madness. The big clubs are looking at new stadiums: the country needs them, and they would be entirely funded by foreign capital."
What is the situation regarding the stadium? Furlani answered:
"We are advancing on the project in San Donato: our target is to be ready by the end of 2028 with a new stadium. I say this date biting my tongue because in 2018, when I joined Milan, we presented a project to UEFA for the new San Siro to be completed by 2023. And now here we are. The target is the end of 2028. Having a new and owned stadium allows teams to bring fans not only for the match but also for half a day spent with the family in the home of Milan."
Can the new Champions League format be beneficial?
"The new format allows us to play more matches in Europe: high-value matches. We would offer our fans more games against top European clubs. There will be a positive economic impact, and the value of the competition will grow, as will the teams participating. I want to hope that Italian football, if it continues with this positive trend, can have a fifth team in the Champions League."
Furlani on the possible return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"Ibra, first and foremost, has been a great footballer and is also a great showman, a leader, an all-around personality, not just in the football world. There are conversations with him. I can't answer technically because I can't give you an exact timeframe or role, but it can only be pleasing for someone in my position and as a Milan fan to be able to work with Ibrahimovic again."
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