The soccer world was hit by unfortunate news. The former owner of Italian giant AC Milan, Silvio Berlusconi, dies at 86. The former Italian Prime Minister was a controlling shareholder of Mediaset, a company that owned AC Milan from 1986 to 2017.
The famous politician also owned another Italian club AC Monza before his death. His death has shocked the soccer fraternity, and soccer fans are mourning the death of a business tycoon for his contribution to soccer.
Soccer world mourns the death of former AC Milan owner
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When the news was out, most of the Milan fans were the first to send a message. The club won several accolades in his regime as owner, including UEFA Champions League and Serie A Scudetto. One of the fans wrote, “Rest in peace, President.”
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Most of the fans wrote, “Grazie Silvio.” One fan praised the former Italian Prime Minister, “One of the most brilliant minds in the history of Italy is gone.” While a few labeled the news as the end of an era, others remembered him as the best AC Milan President. Current Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who managed AC Milan under Berlusconi also sent his thoughts.
Following the news, AC Milan released an official statement. Spanish giants Real Madrid also released an official communication to mourn the death. The Italian side won massive 29 titles in the 31-year regime of Berlusconi. He took over the club in difficult times and made it one of the greatest in soccer history. He sold the club to a Chinese investment company in 2017.
Forever part of our history, eternally in the hearts and minds of every Rossonero.
Il Presidente della nostra storia. Nel cuore, nella memoria, nell’eternità. pic.twitter.com/cyMyctQGAw
— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 12, 2023
Under Berlusconi, AC Milan grew to be a force to reckon with
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Berlusconi era started in 1986 at Milan. The Red and Blacks were on the verge of bankruptcy, but Berlusconi, the owner of Fininvest and Mediaset, acquired the club. His ownership saw the club hiring one of the most successful Italian managers then, Arrigo Sacchi. The Rossoneri brought Dutch legends Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard to help the likes of Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi. The club embarked on success under Berlusconi.
It was under former Italian Prime Minister ownership Milan tasted massive European success. The Rossoneri won eight top-division titles, one Coppa Italia, seven Supercopa Italia, five European Cup/ UEFA Champions League, five European Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and one FIFA Club World Cup. Milan dominated Italian soccer from 1991 to 2000. They won five Scudettos and three Italian Super Cups in that period.
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Let us know your favorite memory of AC Milan during Berlusconi’s ownership.