Milan Mayor Sala On Inter & AC Milan’s New Stadium Project: “I Believe That Milan Deserves A New & Beautiful Stadium” | OneFootball

Milan city mayor Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Sala has spoken on being a fan of Inter ahead of this weekend’s Derby della Madonnina with AC Milan.

The two clubs are set to lock horns for the second time this season at San Siro on Sunday night with Inter playing the role of hosts this time round.

AC Milan were the hosts back in September when the sides met and Antonio Conte’s Inter ran out 2-0 winners that night with thanks to goals from midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and striker Romelu Lukaku, who has been in fine form as of late.

“I cannot hide the fact that I am an Inter fan but I am also the Mayor of Milan and for this reason I will not go to the stadium because if Inter wins I cannot pretend not to support them,” he began an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia which was broadcast earlier today.

“Will Inter win the derby? Who knows. A victory is needed for both of them and maybe it will end in a dream. My dream would be to see both teams in the Champions League because it would also be important for Milan’s image and economy. Let’s see if this can happen.”

Sala then proceeded to discuss Inter’s business during the January the transfer market which saw them bring in Ashley Young, Victor Moses and Christian Eriksen.

“Conte was right for asking for more players, now he has them and I trust him. I am satisfied with what happened on the transfer market.

“Yesterday I saw the game, Eriksen did not have a great performance but he is someone who knows what to do with the ball in his feet. He is a top player.”

Sala then went on to provide an update with regard to the Nerazzurri and Rossoneri’s new stadium project and admitted to being optimistic.

“It is clear that I had and must defend San Siro. It is our property, our history, a hundred years of history. I was not for the initial idea of demolishing San Siro but now we are moving towards the idea that San Siro will be partially saved and dedicated to other sports with lots of greenery.

“I have become optimistic, there are some things to review but it seems to me that we are going in the right direction. I believe it will not be a very long time until we reach a formula that satisfies all.

“A new stadium is welcome with San Siro partially saved. The stadium is an important thing. I understand the teams want the new one to compete at a European level and I don’t want to hinder them, as a fan it is clear that it can bring benefits.

“I have memories of San Siro FROM 55 years ago, when I went there for the first time with my Inter father. He overcame the fear of flying just to see Inter play. I believe that Milan deserves a new and beautiful stadium.”

In conclusion, he discussed Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to AC Milan: “I loved Zlatan when he was with the Nerazzurri, but we knew that his heart was more red and black. He is a great champion, Milan need him.”