‘See it as a business opportunity’ – Mayor Sala takes aim at Milan and Inter’s ownerships

The Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala has fired shots at the ownerships of AC Milan and Inter, accusing them of not caring about the right things.

To summarise what has been a chaotic stadium situation for years now, September is a crucial month. A deadline is approaching regarding a restriction being imposed on the second tier of the current San Siro which – if enforced – would effectively end the hopes of building a new home there.

The City Hall and the two clubs have the aim of completing everything within the month before the aforementioned deadline, but every week there is talk of new obstacles. Not only that, but the political statements made contribute to a climate of tension.

Sala hits out

The Mayor Beppe Sala spoke to reporters during the commemoration of General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa and he was asked about the latest on the stadium project. MilanPress relayed his comments.

“I’m speaking decisively, and then everyone will take responsibility. If the council doesn’t approve the sale of San Siro, it will be a problem for the next mayor to deal with. It’s not like clubs will easily decide to ignore the situation,” he said.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

“We may miss the Moratti and Berlusconi-style ownership, and I miss Moratti and send him a hug, but that’s how it is today. These owners, more than their passion for football, see it as a business opportunity. We’ll move forward.

“A discount? It’s zero. There’s no discount, just cost-sharing, which comes either from what the law on land reclamation says or from our requests, such as the stadium move. I hope we’ll reach a final agreement with the clubs in the next few days and then present it to the council, the committees, and the council.

“When selling a significant asset like the stadium, the city council has to decide. I want to be clear with my conscience, have done my job, and submit the dossier to the council, which will then decide. I’ll submit it, recommending its approval, but from then on I can’t do anything else. The council will decide whether this sale makes sense or not.”