Gazidis: “We’re really proud not just for what we’ve done but for how we did it, this was the result of teamwork”

Ivan Gazidis believes the road is just as important as the end result, as Milan win the Scudetto for the 19th time.

When Gazidis was named CEO of the club, many feared that Milan would have their fate being similar to that of Arsenal. However, Milan are the Champions.

11 years after the last win, yesterday marked the 19th Scudetto in the history of the Diavolo, and the first of Gazidis.

“It’s incredible, after this whole season, or rather these two – even three – years, which have been very particular for the whole world,” Gazidis told MilanTV. “For this Club to be back to the top level of football, is a great source of pride. These fans are truly special because they’ve pushed up every step of the way. And the guys on the field, they have character, and incredible strength and desire. Truly incredible.

On the moment: “We’re really proud, not just for what we’ve done but for how we did it, because this is a young team; in the future, next season, we are confident that we can improve. But tonight, we are just going to enjoy this moment.

On unity: “This was the result of teamwork; not just inside the Club, on the field and off it. With this unity and this desire, with the support we have, everything is possible. Our fans deserve this night because they’ve been through many difficult years. This is a moment of pride for all of us, together. Together we made it.

On when he started believing: “We believed in the title from the beginning, because with the desire and the hunger of this group, we were aware that we had something special in our hands. I can’t say exactly what it is, but there is a unity and a strength within this Club. We’ve overcome many difficulties and we’re proud of our guys, this Club, proud of these fans because we really did it all together.”

Speaking to Sky Italia, Gazidis said: “For me this victory means something more. Not only what we did, but how we did it. This group is special, it has desire, spirit of unity and with these things anything is possible. This is my most beautiful victory.”

On if Milan was born in Reggio Emilia: “Perhaps, truth is that this Milan was born in many moments, with many special people. Is it thanks to Ibra? I say it. Is it the merit of Maldini? Yes. It’s a team effort and maybe that’s the most important thing: the fans. The pushed us forward during the difficult times, I’m proud and happy for them. After so many years this Club needs this night and this moment.”

On Maldini: “It’s a beautiful story, but Paolo is a not a flag-bearer, but rather a serious director who works hard for this club. I’ve always believed in Paolo, from the beginning; now he is very important for this club, not only for the past but also for the future.”

On how he is at Milan: “I feel at home, I am a Milanista. I feel something special, I cannot explain but it is a feeling of belonging, it makes me very happy.”

In an interview with DAZN, Gazidis said: “I am very happy and proud, this team is young but has great character and desire to win. These qualities have pushed us, together with our fans, to another level. We look to the future with optimism. We have done something special, also in the way of doing it.”

On the fans: “This enthusiasm is incredible. Milan, which is one of the biggest clubs in the world, deserve all of this. Our fans are really special.”

On Milan in the future: “We must always improve. At the beginning of the season we believed in ourselves, knowing our qualities, we have to be better but now let’s enjoy the party.”

On the future: “The most important thing is that Milan is stable and can look to the future with confidence. Now the club stands on its own feet, we are young and we have already thought about how to improve the team. As for the mercato, we’ll talk about it from tomorrow or the day after that.”

On the club sale: “Let’s not think about these things now, let’s enjoy this Scudetto.”

Shortly talking to RAI, the director commented: “Spirit, a united spirit, shared with everyone inside the Club. Stefano did an incredible job, also Paolo and Massara, and all the staff.”

He then had an interview with Sportmediaset: “We are proud to have won this Scudetto. We have lived through two difficult years. At the beginning of the season we believed in it even knowing that Serie A is a difficult league. We have a young group that still has to improve a lot, but inside it has an incredible spirit. With our fans everything is possible and tonight we proved it.

“Continuing with great players? Absolutely. We have no only players with talent, but also with desire and character. We will definitely improve in the future. I feel Milanista because this club is special.”

This morning, Gazidis talked to the press as well, saying: “Thank you all for following us through this special season. We did a real team effort, all together, also with our fans who pushed us at every step, in every difficulty and there were many difficulties this season, both on and off the pitch.

“But in the end we all have a great pride for having done something special, but also for how we did it, because I think we tried to do it by following values, the values of the Club, without complaints and without regrets. In the end, I think this group of guys, this team the staff, the coach and especially the fans really deserve it.”