QS: A ‘strong message’ to Milan – stability and centrality behind Cardinale’s visit

Gerry Cardinale was once again present at AC Milan’s training ground on Sunday, his second visit in less than one month.

As Quotidiano Sportivo recall, Cardinale’s past agenda includes a visit to Milanello in the summer of 2024, an appearance at San Siro in September of that year (his most recent for a game) and then being at the Santiago Bernabeu for the Champions League win against Real Madrid.

On January 21, he somewhat surprisingly visited the team and management at Milanello and Casa. Yesterday, 25 days later, he returned. It was the first time since Elliott Management’s exit, following the repayment of the club’s debt (€489m plus interest) and the entry of Comvest via refinancing.

A more constant presence?

The message sent by Cardinale with his two visits is tied to concepts such as continuity, stability and the centrality of Milan in his thoughts and plans.

Among the activities were a meeting with the team during morning training, a conversation with Massimiliano Allegri – during which he offered compliments to the coach – and a chat with Mike Maignan.

Photos by AC Milan

Cardinale congratulated him on his contract renewal (after past misunderstandings, and the risk of a free transfer exit), which he considered a testament to the goalkeeper’s recent form and his central role in the club’s plans.

Also present were CEO Giorgio Furlani, RedBird’s senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and sporting director Igli Tare. Meetings have been scheduled with the entire management and other areas of the club, including regarding the new stadium.

Milan are ‘at the forefront of Cardinale’s thoughts’, the paper adds. This is especially true at a key moment of the season: the eight-point gap to Inter could become five-point gap in the crucial rematch scheduled for Wednesday evening at San Siro, against Como.