Cardinale Steps Forward: Interviews with Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport
On Friday 16 May, Gerry Cardinale returned to the public spotlight — not through a press conference, but by granting interviews to two of Italy’s most authoritative sports publications: Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport. A deliberate choice, an attempt to speak directly to the Milan world after weeks of silence and internal turbulence within the club.
The Rossoneri owner addressed several key topics: the organisational restructuring, transfer market management, sporting results, and the future vision for the club. The interviews offer important food for thought, even if some statements need to be followed by concrete actions to truly carry weight.
‘Missing the Champions League Is a Failure’: A Much-Needed Wake-Up Call
Among Cardinale’s most significant statements, one stands out above all: “Not winning the Scudetto is a disappointment; not qualifying for the Champions League is a failure.” Clear, unambiguous words that finally put in writing what every Rossoneri supporter has felt. The American owner openly acknowledges that the results achieved in recent years have fallen short of expectations — and that, at least, is a meaningful starting point.
Cardinale also admits to having made mistakes: “Over these four years I have made errors,” he states, adding that “this summer we will review the organisation and see what we can do to fill the gaps.” An acknowledgement that, if followed by decisive action, could mark the beginning of a genuine turnaround.
The Transfer Market: ‘The Money Should Have Been Spent Better’
On the transfer market, the RedBird Capital chief does not shy away: he concedes that the resources available should have been invested more wisely. It is a pointed, if diplomatically worded, criticism aimed at the technical and managerial staff responsible for transfer operations in recent years.
The numbers, however, tell a specific story: in the most recent transfer window, Milan spent approximately €160 million while bringing in around €167 million, effectively closing the window with a slightly positive balance. To claim that the club spent more than anyone else in Serie A without contextualising the income generated would be a partial reading of reality.
Furlani’s Future: A Position That Looks Increasingly Precarious
One of the most delicate issues to emerge in recent hours concerns the future of Giorgio Furlani, Milan’s current CEO. His position appears increasingly fragile: Cardinale’s remarks about the mismanagement of the transfer market read as a direct attack on the club’s leadership, and footage from a recent summit in London — attended by Ibrahimovic and other senior figures — notably did not appear to include Furlani, at least in images published by SportItalia.
The feeling, confirmed by multiple sources, is that Milan will undergo significant changes at the top by the end of the season. Cardinale himself hints as much when he speaks of reviewing the organisational structure. Who stays and who goes remains to be seen, but it is clear that the status quo is no longer sustainable. You can explore the possible scenarios in our dedicated article: Furlani’s Future: The Four Possible Scenarios for His Departure from AC Milan.
Words vs. Actions: Cardinale’s Real Challenge
The Rossoneri owner reaffirms his ambition with force: “The idea that I would do anything without the objective of being number one and winning consistently — and I stress consistently, a concept that always seems to get lost — is ridiculous.” Inspiring words, but ones that must be measured against a sporting reality in which, over the past four years, Milan have won just a single Italian Super Cup.
The hope among Rossoneri supporters is that this time words will genuinely be followed by bold and far-sighted decisions. Cardinale appears aware of his own mistakes and determined to turn the page: now it is up to him — and the new structure he intends to build — to prove that Milan can return to competing at the highest level, both in Italy and in Europe.
Summer is approaching, and with it will come major decisions. Milan is preparing for a quiet but profound revolution, and supporters are waiting with trust and the passion that has always defined this club.
