Gerry Cardinale, the owner of AC Milan, spoke to Carlo Pellegatti after the dinner he organised yesterday at a restaurant in central Milan, attended by several Rossoneri legends and others.
What are your feelings ahead of tonight?
"Fantastic night. We had Milan people coming together in support of Milan. Tomorrow (today) is a big game, as you know."
Are the emotions building ahead of the derby? Cardinale replied:
"My job is not to increase the emotions. My job is to keep everything steady and focused. To provide leadership so that we do what we have to do. Tomorrow (today in the derby), we have to win the first 45 minutes and the following 45. That's football. My job is to keep a steady hand and do everything possible to win. Today, there were legends who know how to win, and it means a lot to me that these people have come back and believe in what I want to do. We are bringing Milan back, this passion, this love of winning. It's a long season, it's our home derby and I want it more than anything else. I will be devastated if we don't win."
On his words of support and backing for Ruben Amorim:
"We have to stay united. I said it regarding the Udinese ticket situation, and I'll repeat it: everyone, the fans, the press, everyone must support Milan. Let's come together and make this possible. Ruben is doing an excellent job. I made an excellent choice. He genuinely cares. He is coaching, he is mentoring and, I'll tell you, I have met every single player. They want to win. I looked them in the eyes, and I'm telling you, they want to win. It's only a matter of time. Either you want to win or you don't. I want to win, the lads want to win, and so does Amorim."
