The 31-year era of Silvio
Berlusconi as AC Milan owner came to an end Thursday when
Chinese businessman Li Yonghong formally became the owner.
In his first statement, Li said "I thank Berlusconi and
Fininvest for their confidence, and the fans for their patience,
from today we will build the future".
Berlusconi said that "if today I leave all operational and
representative posts, I will always remain Milan's no.1 fan, the
team that my father taught me to love as a boy, the dream we
realised together.
"I send the new owners the most cordial and deeply felt wish
that they will reach even more extraordinary targets than the
ones we did".
Berlusconi said he was leaving "with pain" but in the
awareness that "a single family is no longer able to make the
investments needed to compete at the top European and world
levels".
He said he would "never forget the emotions Milan gave me and
all of us".
Berlusconi's holding company Fininvest closed a deal selling
99.93% of the seven-time European champion's shares to
Luxembourg-based vehicle Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux, created
ad hoc by the Chinese investor.
"Fininvest today finalised the sale to Rossoneri Sport
Investment Lux of its entire stake, 99.93%, held in AC Milan", a
joint statement said.
"The buyers have confirmed their commitment to make major
interventions of recapitalisation and financial and assets
reinforcement of AC Milan".
photo: likely future chairman David Han Li, right-hand man of
new owner Li Yonghong
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