The San Siro was built in 1926 and is home to both Milan clubs
AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has defended the decision to demolish the San Siro, suggesting that the construction of a new £590 million stadium ‘is a fundamental step’ for the club to be able to compete with Europe’s best sides.
While two stadium designs have been submitted by Milan and Inter, it is not yet clear which will be chosen and when exactly the San Siro will be destroyed – although it is hoped that it will be completed in a period of three years.
The project has divided opinion in Italy, with some people agreeing with Gazidis’ view that an upgrade is needed in order to improve the club’s chances of succeeding in Europe.
However, many have suggested that the planned project is flawed – with former Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi admitting that the demolition of the iconic stadium ‘would be a deep wound’.
During Berlusconi’s reign in Via Aldo Rossi, Milan won won eight Scudetti, five European Cups, one Coppa Italia, six Supercoppa Italiana, two Intercontinental Cups, five UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite the Italian’s viewpoint, Milan’s current CEO Gazidis insists that ‘building new stadiums’ is necessary for the top clubs in Italy.
“I understand the doubts, because San Siro is a special place, but it’s necessary to have courage,” he told the club’s official website.
“Feelings exist and cannot be questioned. The memories of San Siro will be there forever, no one will be able to erase them, it’s impossible.
“Every League in the world that has been successful has done so by building new stadiums, with an incredible and inclusive experience for the fans.
“We have everything that is needed: the football, the people, fans. I see a brilliant future, you just need to have courage.
“Creating new stadiums is a fundamental step if we want to be at the top of the football world again.”
San Siro is set to be demolished.
Football's most iconic stadium has been host to some legendary players and some unforgettable moments in its 94-year history. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/f6TQ2lDmlY
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 23, 2020
The San Siro – which was built in 1926 – has hosted a number of World Cup matches, as well as four European Cup finals.
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