|
|
Silvio Berlusconi confident AC Milan has overcome 'British taboo' after mauling of Arsenal
The Rossoneri chief has voiced his delight with the 4-0 win, while stating that Massimiliano Allegri's men are better than Juventus and that he never wanted Carlos Tevez
Feb 16, 2012 7:01:00 AM
By Livio Caferoglu
Getty Images
Silvio Berlusconi is hopeful AC Milan has finally dispelled their woes against Premier League clubs in the Champions League, after consigning Arsenal to a 4-0 defeat on Wednesday.
The Serie A holders had been knocked out by English sides at the second round stage for the past four years, but are now well on their way to halting their fruitless run following a comfortable first leg win at San Siro - a feat the former Italian prime minister could only revel in.
"Indeed, British clubs had become a taboo for us, even though the national team have not won [trophies] for many years," Berlusconi told Sky Sport Italia. "However I'm confident [we can break it]."
He added, "You have to be happy when you win so convincingly. It was a great performance, made of all beautiful things."
The outspoken executive then revealed he was never keen on bringing Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez to the club, despite Adriano Galliani's well-documented pursuit of the attacker's services in January, claiming Massimiliano Allegri has sufficient options in attack.
"I never called for the arrival of Tevez. We have the boy by the name of Egypt [El Shaarawy], and then we took the striker from Catania [Maxi Lopez], who is a true center forward; combative, a cool guy."
The 75-year-old concluded by expressing his admiration for current European champions Barcelona, before sending a warning shot to league rivals Juventus, whom he feels are inferior to Milan.
"I like the game exhibited by Barcelona. I prefer Barca to Real Madrid, despite the latter being ahead in La Liga. As a team, we are superior to Juventus," Berlusconi boasted.
The return leg at the Emirates Stadium is scheduled for March 6, as Arsenal look to overturn an unlikely four-goal deficit.
The Serie A holders had been knocked out by English sides at the second round stage for the past four years, but are now well on their way to halting their fruitless run following a comfortable first leg win at San Siro - a feat the former Italian prime minister could only revel in.
"Indeed, British clubs had become a taboo for us, even though the national team have not won [trophies] for many years," Berlusconi told Sky Sport Italia. "However I'm confident [we can break it]."
He added, "You have to be happy when you win so convincingly. It was a great performance, made of all beautiful things."
The outspoken executive then revealed he was never keen on bringing Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez to the club, despite Adriano Galliani's well-documented pursuit of the attacker's services in January, claiming Massimiliano Allegri has sufficient options in attack.
"I never called for the arrival of Tevez. We have the boy by the name of Egypt [El Shaarawy], and then we took the striker from Catania [Maxi Lopez], who is a true center forward; combative, a cool guy."
The 75-year-old concluded by expressing his admiration for current European champions Barcelona, before sending a warning shot to league rivals Juventus, whom he feels are inferior to Milan.
"I like the game exhibited by Barcelona. I prefer Barca to Real Madrid, despite the latter being ahead in La Liga. As a team, we are superior to Juventus," Berlusconi boasted.
The return leg at the Emirates Stadium is scheduled for March 6, as Arsenal look to overturn an unlikely four-goal deficit.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.