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It took many more months than anticipated, with many twists and turns, yet somehow amid much skepticism and doubt the saga of the Milan sale officially ended. Silvio Berlusconi, after 31 years as owner and president of Milan, has sold his beloved club to a Chinese consortium led by Yonghong Li.

Today the new board of directors will be announced, ahead of the derby della madonnina on Saturday.

Although Milan has performed below expectations the past few years, the rich history and successes of the past make it one of Italy’s most recognized symbols abroad. There were many reactions to the sale which we are recapping here for your reading pleasure.

Yonghong Li: “I thank Berlusconi and Fininvest for their trust and the fans for their patience. From today we will build the future.”

Vincenzo Montella: “In the next few days I will meet the new management and together we will find the solutions to make Milan as successful as it was in the past.”

Adriano Galliani: “After 31 years there is certainly emotion. I was pleased by the words of Berlusconi and I was moved by the long applause of my colleagues.” 

Silvio Berlusconi: “I’m leaving today, after more than 30 years, the title and job of Milan president. To the new owners I give my best and most heartfelt wishes that you achieve goals even more extraordinary than those achieved by us.”

Carlo Tavecchio: “We should thank Berlusconi for what he has done in the world of football, his Milan will be part of history. His contribution to Italian football and international was extraordinary.”

Arrigo Sacchi: “I am saddened just like Berlusconi and Galliani, eventhough I have been away for a long time. They are two great directors who have given, on a sporting level, life to Milan.”

 

Umberto Gandini: “The Berlusconi era will be an important part of the history of football and in Italy. I will always remember Athens 1994, it was the first Champions League where I was sitting on the bench representing the team.”

 

Gennaro Gattuso: “It’s a big loss seeing the departure of the man who made Milan great. I hope a glorious club like Milan can become great again.” 

Milan mayor Beppe Sala on twitter:

Fillipo Inzaghi: “I can talk about epic victories and incredible feelings of satisfaction, however at this moment I just feel like saying THANK YOU, Silvio Berlusconi, Galliani, AC Milan”