Paolo Berlusconi and Milan: a bond that never breaks
The words of Paolo Berlusconi, spoken at the book launch of journalist and lifelong rossoneri supporter Carlo Pellegatti, moved and provoked thought in equal measure. The brother of the late Silvio Berlusconi — the man who transformed Milan into the most successful club in the world during the Eighties and Nineties — spoke from the heart about the rossoneri’s past, present and future, concealing neither nostalgia nor hope.
‘Silvio watches Milan from above, but sometimes he looks away’
With that blend of warm irony and genuine emotion that defines him, Paolo Berlusconi invoked the figure of his elder brother with words that will stay long in the memory: «I think Silvio watches Milan on Sundays from up there. Every now and then though he probably looks away because it’s not the Milan he loved». A bittersweet remark loaded with truth, saying everything about the perceived gap between today’s Milan and the one Silvio Berlusconi helped build.
Paolo recalled how even now, in his own low moments, he takes refuge in the images of the great Champions League finals won by the rossoneri: «Those videos make you understand how important it is to win the European Cup». A sincere tribute to an unrepeatable era and at the same time an implicit invitation to return to that level.
The recipe for the future: more Italians in rossonero
Among the topics Paolo Berlusconi touched on, his clear position on the make-up of the rossoneri squad stands out: «Milan need more Italians on the pitch, like all clubs today, because otherwise the national team suffers». A reflection that goes beyond partisan support and addresses a structural issue in Italian football: the progressive reduction in playing time given to Italian players at Serie A clubs, with direct consequences for the quality of the Azzurri.
On the future, Berlusconi expressed confidence, citing the partnership of Luka Modrić — the Croatian maestro who continues to astonish even at this stage of his career — and what he affectionately called «our little Frenchman», referring to a quality midfield presence in the rossoneri squad, as a good foundation to build upon. «Not wanting everything immediately, but building a team that grows»: this, according to Paolo, is the mantra on which the future Milan project must be founded.
Tonali back at Milan? ‘Never say never’
The question about Sandro Tonali was inevitable — the Lodi-born midfielder who grew up at Milanello and remains one of the most beloved figures among the rossoneri faithful. Paolo Berlusconi did not close the door: «Sandro Tonali is certainly an example, but there are many talented Italians. The important thing is having the mentality of not wanting everything straight away». And when asked about a possible Berlusconi return to running the club: «There is my nephew, Billy’s son, who is a Berlusconi, who loves football and supports Milan. So who can say — never say never».
On Leão: ‘A wonderful potential still to be fully realised’
Asked what Silvio Berlusconi would have said about Rafael Leão, Paolo answered with elegant simplicity: «Leão has a wonderful potential that needs to be nurtured». A judgement that reflects the thoughts of many supporters: the Portuguese star’s talent is beyond question — what is needed is for it to emerge consistently and continuously, match after match.
Paolo Berlusconi’s words are those of a man who loves Milan with every fibre of his being, who carries his brother’s memory with pride and with the sincere hope that the best days still lie ahead for this legendary club. A hope that we share wholeheartedly.
