Here's the full interview that devoted_dm refenced:
http://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/fu-y...eri-173480
A summary:
- He starts by confirming Chinese interest in Milan
- On why Chinese investors are interested, he says Milan is one of the top 5 foreign clubs in China. He says as part of the takeover, the management would remain Italian, as has generally been the case when Chinese investors have bought into business.
- On the investors, he says they're all very wealthy, and Mr Zong of Wahaha was the richest man in China for 4 years running.
- Contrary to rumours, the Chinese government aren't particularly involved in negotiations. The Chinese president has commented on football in the country and this is partly why investors are interested.
- On paying 1 billion, he says there's a lot to reflect on the part of investors, as it takes a lot of resources to support Milan. Football clubs inherently run at a loss rather than profit and the problem isn't just buying the club, but then the work after.
- Other Chinese businessmen have also written to Fu Yixiang about investing in Milan too.
- On why a single entrepreneur isn't investing and it's a consortium, he says that the operation isn't being done this way because they don't want success in the future. The idea is to make Milan even more popular in the future and to have 10,000 Chinese fans attending every match. (Doesn't answer the question...).
- On the figure (I think the 1 billion) he says they have given a rough assessment and want Milan to return to its glorious past and return to being a top club in the world. He says it's not possible to manage to Milan without Italian management, because Milan has always been Italian. They would also like to buy any AC Milan with Berlusconi as honorary president, along with all the management. Apparently, they come from the the outside and would not know to drive such a formidable car
- On the advantages for the Chinese, he says they want to bring the interest in football in China, especially at the youth level, bringing talent to European football
- On whether this is a short term or long term project, he says if the Chinese really want to invest one billion Euros, they want a long-term project on sound financial footing. That money would be not be solely given to the Berlusconi family, but also the strengthening of the team and the stadium (!!)
- On Inter being valuated less than half of Milan, he says something along the lines of enhancing the club and buying the club at the right value (sorry, didn't really understand this point)
- On how quickly results will be achieved and ending the dominance of Juve in Italy, he says he's not very experienced in football and his job is to act as an intermediary. The hope is after talking more with Berlusconi, there could even be investment for next season.
- Going back to bringing 10 thousand Chinese from China to see the Milan every game, he says they are thinking of this idea, bringing nearly 500 thousand tourists a year to Milan with expenses covered
Right, so a few thoughts on this:
1) It's positive to see talk about building a stadium after the rumour the other day. Nothing's set in stone obviously, but it's a positive sign, as well as generally talking about a long term project.
2) He confirmed what I said the other day about him not being a man of football. Any comments he's made about football basically means he's a mouthpiece for someone they've earmarked for management (I'm still thinking it's Maldini).
3) I'm not at all convinced about 10,000 Chinese fans attending every match, I think it's nothing more than big talk.
4) On the Italian management thing, I call BS and am certain that the comment is for Silvio more than anyone. Milan should remain Italian to the extent of the foundations and history it's built on, but as a modern business it's about getting the right people to lead the club. For example, Barbara since becoming CEO has a varied group of people around her to get results. This should be the case in all sectors, it's about getting the right people with the right skills and motivation, not necessarily focusing on trying desperately to hold an Italian identity. That isn't to say that having Italian management shouldn't happen, but it shouldn't be a core focus.
5) I'm kind of unimpressed by the apparently show of power and pride in his comments. The way he's talking up Chinese investors and how the Chinese people will save the club by buying shares and go to matches seems to be a lot of talk that feels focused on giving China a strong face to the public. I'm not trying to be negative about China here, but instead feel the focus of his comments are more about "showing off" China, than focusing on the club and having the best for its future in mind.
