Igli Tare, the new AC Milan sporting director, spoke to the official club channel to present himself to the fans.
Here are his first statements:
"I've arrived with clear ideas. I'm really excited, and I want that to be reflected in the environment here. I want to be an example not only for the players but the coaching staff as well. and also to do my best work in the transfer window."
Tare added:
"This feeling of belonging is very important. The players that come to AC Milan have to understand that wearing this shirt is a big responsibility. Everything hangs on the final result. That involves what happens on the pitch and results. After the initial stages, there will be further steps to take. We'll decide them over the next week and then present them."
On the AC Milan club:
"AC Milan have a history of winning. I've followed it since I was a kid. I remember the era of (Ray) Wilkins and (Mark) Hateley. I clearly remember those years, because I have some big AC Milan fans in my family. All of my uncles were Milanisti. So, there's always been a strong connection, and I never hid that, even as a player, and also in directorial roles, because we've all supported teams. Being here today and speaking for the Club I supported as a child means so much. My first Serie A game was Brescia v AC Milan. That was my debut in Serie A. My first son was born during AC Milan v Bologna on 13/09/2003. So, it's a deep connection when we consider that history. Then, the great players, legends, and a management with class and elegance made this Club one of the greatest in the world, alongside Real Madrid. It means so much to me. I'll try to give my all so that we can repeat it in the future, because this club has an amazing history. We have to convey our project to everyone as soon as we can. Most of all, to our supporters because they expect a good reaction, and this is what we want as well."
Tare continued:
"I've had long conversations both with Giorgio Furlani and with Zlatan (Ibrahimović). We've held discussions on all of the dynamics that affect the Club and the overall situation. So, I think I have some clear ideas, and we need to be ready straight away to carry them out. We need to get off to the right start. Expectations are high, because it's been a really long season with a lot of disappointment. I watched it from the outside, so I've arrived with clear ideas..."
"You must learn from your mistakes and to get right to business with enthusiasm, energy, and a hunger to take AC Milan back to what it has always been and the way we've viewed it throughout the Club's history. We need to be clear on one thing: AC Milan is a Club that demands immediate results. AC Milan is a Club that needs to win. I'm aware of this, and I'm ready to take on the challenge because we need to ensure that we win but with clear ideas. To that effect, my role in that is vital in order to apply the right strategy when it comes to the players and, more importantly, giving playing time to the youngsters."
Tare also said:
"Something I always say is this: what's on the front of the shirt matters more than what's on the back, because that is what makes you become what you are. That's how it should be at AC Milan too. I want to join with great humility but, most of all, with the chance to lend my support in attaining something essential, which is ensuring that this Club gets back to the top, and not just in Italian football but world football too. So, my role is not just to support the technical staff but also Giorgio, Zlatan and Geoffrey (Moncada), but I think it's vital that we all work together."
Football has evolved a lot..
"Every cycle, every 5 years, the game seems to change. It changes drastically. You need to evolve and to keep up with this evolution."
Tare concluded:
"I want to see a team that sweats through this shirt and that has a hunger to win. I want to see San Siro erupt when the fans celebrate. I'll give my all for this to happen, because it's a beautiful thing to see the fans celebrating an AC Milan win. I'm really excited and feeling quite fulfilled. This is the realisation of a dream that I've had for a number of years. Having that dream come true means a great deal to me."
