Skip to main content

Milan chief plays down talk of Berlusconi exit

The billionaire businessman has owned Milan since 1986 and they have been European champions five times under his leadership. Their success helped to make Berlusconi a familiar face in Italy and burnish his image as he moved into politics in the 1990s.

However, the club's fortunes have dimmed in the past couple of seasons. At the same time, Berlusconi, 76, has been distracted by political and legal problems, losing office and facing accusations he slept with an under-age prostitute.

"I think Mr Berlusconi is one of the most dedicated owners that we could have," he told the Leaders in Football conference.

"I'm pretty sure that he and his family and his holding company will continue to support us," he added.

"We are working to make sure that within 3-5 years we are at the top of the game, respecting other clubs, respecting the rules, respecting Financial Fair Play," he told the conference.

"I don't think anyone is against the principle of break even but it has to be done in an equitable way and managed well," said Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre.