The World of Football reacts to Silvio Berlusconi’s death, starting with Milan and Monza.
The Italy entrepreneur died on Monday, June 12, at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, aged 86.
Berlusconi was admitted to the hospital on Friday. He had already spent some days in intensive care between April and May due to pneumonia thought to be a result of his leukaemia.
He had previously undergone open heart surgery in 2016 to replace his aortic valve.
He was the President of Monza, who had just completed their first-ever Serie A campaign. He bought the Brianzoli in 2018, leading them to their first historic promotion to Italy’s top flight in 2021-22.
Berlusconi made history with the Brianzoli and, most notably, with Milan, becoming the most successful President of the Diavoli with 29 trophies in 31 years.
Milan and Monza reacted on social media on Monday morning, but tributes from the World of Football are coming from many other clubs and players.
Follow all reactions from the World of Football below.
Franco Baresi
"Hearing the news, I feel more lonely, for me he was like a father, a president unique and affectionate to everyone, he made my dreams come true. Thank you. RIP."
Ruud Gullit
"Rest in peace, Mr Berlusconi. Forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to play for your iconic club."
Paolo Maldini
"A genius, visionary and dreamer leaves us, but above all a friend who changed the history of our country. Thank you for everything Mr. President, you allowed all of us Milan fans to live a dream for more than 30 years, there will never be anyone like you."
Pippo Inzaghi
"After more than a decade by his side, I am sure that of all the photos that portray him, he would have chosen this one.
"I will always carry in my heart his intelligence, his ability to always surround himself with valid and insightful individuals, his exuberance and his hunger for victory: the secrets of his success!
"Together with you, we have written many special pages in the history of Italian football and you will always remain, for me, the only, great President."
Andrea Pirlo
"A great man, a great President. I had the honour and good fortune to have experienced many moments together. Your precious lessons will always remain with me. Thank you Silvio, you'll be missed."
Ex-Inter President Massimo Moratti
“Berlusconi was a fair opponent, in every sense. He never took up a position against us, he always talked about Milan and Inter as the two clubs representing the city of Milan that he therefore cared about. He had this immense personality that allowed him to affect the lives of everyone and the history of this country. He was a leader and his mentality was all about growth. I never had envy for his Milan, because it felt like our clubs were in a race to make our fans as happy as possible.”
Gianluigi Buffon
"Today we say goodbye to Silvio Berlusconi, a visionary, passionate and romantic football president. He transformed Milan into a world power, winning the hearts of millions of fans. His legacy in the world of football will be remembered forever."
Alessandro Del Piero
Raffaele Palladino (Monza coach)
"He made me feel part of the family. Eternally grateful to you, Mr President."
Fabio Capello
"The first time we met, he said he wanted to make Milan the strongest team in the world, and he achieved it."
Arrigo Sacchi
"I feel bad, despite everything I did not expect, he was a brilliant friend to whom I owe everything.
"Silvio Berlusconi was a generous man and tried to change this difficult country, formed by individualists. Was he one too? No, he thought with togetherness and he could look far away. When he hired me, I told him: 'You are either crazy or a genius.' Given the results, give me the answer...".
AS Roma
Inter Milan
"President Steven Zhang and all of FC Internazionale Milano express their deep condolences on the passing of President Silvio Berlusconi.
"His figure has left an indelible mark on the history of our country. The battles between Inter and his Milan have made the city of Milan the heart of world football."
Paris Saint-Germain
Napoli
"Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, his wife Jacqueline, Luigi, Edoardo and Valentina, club officials, the coaching staff, the players and the whole SSC Napoli family are saddened to hear of the passing of Silvio Berlusconi."
AC Milan
AC Monza
Adriano Galliani and all AC Monza mourn the death of Silvio Berlusconi: "A void that can never be filled, forever with us. Thank you for everything President".
Serie A
