Amorim and Ambrosini: The Truth Hurts, But It Is Necessary
Honesty from those directly involved in football is a rare commodity. That is precisely why the words of Ruben Amorim, spoken ahead of the match against Juventus, struck such a chord: according to the Portuguese manager, it is a problem that AC Milan have won only two league titles in the last twenty years. A statement of remarkable clarity and self-awareness — one that found a strong echo in the reflections of Massimo Ambrosini, former Milan captain and club legend, now a respected pundit.
Ambrosini spoke openly about what he called the “European downsizing” of AC Milan — the progressive decline of the club at continental level. The word downsizing captures with precision a process that has unfolded over recent years: the loss of that European centrality which had once made Milan one of the most feared and respected clubs in the world.
A Legacy That Still Resonates Worldwide
And yet the Milan brand retains an undiminished allure. Proof of this came in a statement from Kylian Mbappé, currently the most famous footballer on the planet, who declared his preference for Milan — even knowing that the Rossoneri are not currently competing in the Champions League. This speaks volumes about the specific weight of Milan’s history and brand on the global football landscape. Abroad, the word “Milan” still evokes greatness, charisma and an extraordinary trophy cabinet.
This global recognition is an invaluable asset, but it risks becoming an alibi if used to avoid looking at the current reality with clear eyes.
The Years of Decline: From Berlusconi to Cardinale
The process of downsizing did not happen overnight. It is the result of a long and complex transition, stretching through the final years of Silvio Berlusconi‘s era, continuing through the ownership periods of Yonghong Li and Elliott, and on to the current ownership by RedBird Capital Partners under Gerry Cardinale. Over this period, Milan lost its ability to consistently compete on Europe’s grandest stages, making rare appearances in the Champions League and, when they did participate, failing to leave a significant mark — with the exception of the season in which the Rossoneri reached the semi-finals, only to see the trophy eventually lifted by Inter.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are working to reshape their leadership structure, a sign that the ownership is aware of the need for change at the organisational level too.
Accepting Reality: Not a Surrender, But a Starting Point
Acknowledging the downsizing does not mean accepting it as a permanent condition. On the contrary, it is the necessary first step towards building something solid. The self-awareness shown by both Amorim and Ambrosini is the indispensable prerequisite for planning a credible resurgence — without coasting on historical prestige and without deluding oneself into thinking Milan are still operating at the level of Real Madrid, Manchester City or Bayern Munich.
AC Milan boast a global fanbase, a universally recognisable brand, a new stadium project in development, and resources that, if properly managed, could form the foundations of a new winning cycle. But the gap to be bridged is real, and it must be tackled with humility, planning and coherent investment.
When Will the Great Milan Return?
The question is legitimate and has no easy answer: in the short, medium or long term? Much will depend on the decisions made by the ownership, on the ability to build a solid sporting project around Amorim and on the quality of market investments in the years ahead. The objective must remain that of returning consistently to the Champions League and fighting for the Scudetto with regularity — two targets that, for now, remain ambitious but far from unattainable.
Milan’s history teaches that great comebacks are possible. The club has already navigated difficult periods and has always emerged from them, often stronger than before. The hope is that this moment of collective honesty — from the bench, the boardroom and the supporters alike — can become the real turning point. Forza Milan, always.
