Marco Van Basten hopes to find a stronger Milan the next time he’s in Italy and says he no longer wants a coaching career.
The 80th birthday celebration of Silvio Berlusconi brought to Italy many ex-players from his 30-year reign in charge of Milan as Adriano Galliani – flanked by Rossoneri legends – were on the Italian show ‘Tiki Taka’ which was dedicated to Berlusconi’s birthday.
Van Basten, who last week was appointed FIFA Chief Officer for Technical Development, was one of them and even though he admits to not really watching a lot of Italian football these despite, the 1988, 1989 and 1992 Ballon d’Or winner knows it’s tough for Milan now.
“It was good to hear from Berlusconi again and I told him that I’d like to see him soon,” Van Basten said in an interview with il Corriere della Sera. “I’m happy that he is okay. A word to define him? Stimulating, for the victories to which he led us and for the Champions of which he led to Milano.
“The first meeting with him? It was at Villa San Martino, I had just arrived to Milano. I visited the house and he made me listen to the Milan anthem which had just been composed.
“From those years of great euphoria to the upcoming sale? You become sad if you think back to the team of those years. It’s a shame that the club is being sold because we’re talking about a historic club with a big city and a passionate fan base behind it. The bases to have an important team are still there but they’re missing money… Milan is no longer what it once was but by following the example of the Juventus leadership [who won 5 straight Scudetti] they can go back to being the model.
“If I have regrets over not returning to work in Milano? When I wanted to be a coach I was subjected to tests and didn’t even convince myself… I no longer see myself on the bench. Now I have a new position alongside [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino? My occupation, among other things, relates to the technological innovations plan regarding refereeing. I would like to see a more entertaining, honest and balanced football. That would bring the people and be more spectacular.
“If I like [Milan’s Colombian forward Carlos] Bacca, who is prolific but isn’t involved in the team play? Maybe you won’t believe me but I don’t watch a lot of Italian football. I can tell you what the results were but this world sounds far away to me. Let’s say that I hope my heir arrives soon.
“If I’m surprised by the start of Frank de Boer at Inter [he now sits 3rd in Serie A but lost both EL matches]? He arrived just a few days before the start of the season and didn’t have time to inculcate his game concepts. It’s not easy to come from another country, without even knowing the language. He needs to become familiar with the new environment, he will do well but give him time.
“A wish for Milan? On my next trip to Italy I hope to find it as strong and successful as I remember it.”
This tells how great milan was that even bacca been less in rating by milan legends.
Off topic:do you think that messi and ronaldo could have place for world-best player from 2005 down to 90 and 80ct.
To they are no more.
I think platini, gullit, van basten, baggio, romario, ronaldo fenomeno, rivaldo, figo, zidane and dinho were at least equal to both cr and messi, especially 83/84 platini, 87/88 gullit, 88/89 and 91-93 van basten, 96-98 ronaldo, 2002/03 zidane and 2005/06 dinho. Maybe cr and messi could wrestle ballon d’or away from blokhin, igor belanov, matthaeus, papin, weah, nedved and sheva though
The legend who is also Ibrahimovic’s mentor in Ajax has spoken. Wish you all the best with the new role, Marco.
“I visited the house and he made me listen to the Milan anthem which had just been composed.”
LOL I pictured Silvio standing tall and proud, with a big wide smile on his face as the anthem played.