After three years of headaches with multiple bidding groups, Silvio Berlusconi’s company Fininvest has finally completed the sale of AC Milan. The new owner is Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux, a holding company led by Chinese businessman Yonghong Li.
Silvio Berlusconi finally sells AC Milan. For real, this time.
Chinese and American investors are now in charge of the Rossoneri.
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Li was also the lead investor in Sino-Europe Sports, the group that failed in their takeover of Milan earlier this year after putting down €200 million ($21.26 million U.S.) in deposits. After Li dissolved that group, he secured investment from an American hedge fund to form his new company and complete the purchase.
“AC Milan is a world-renowned football club with the most glorious history,” Li said after the sale was announced. “We’ve completed a key step on the road to revival, and for the future we promise that step-by-step we’ll lead this legendary team back to the summit of world football”.
Li has made huge promises during every step of this process, even when it looked like he’d never be able to come up with the money to takeover AC Milan. Now it’s time for him to deliver with a big summer transfer window.
Goal of the day
In the news
Paulo Dybala just signed a new contract, so don’t expect him to move this summer. (Juventus)
Borussia Dortmund isn’t happy that UEFA made them play one day after explosions hit their team bus.
Marc Bartra, the player injured by those blasts, expects to be able to play again in four weeks. (BBC)
The PFA Player of the Year nominees are out. A Chelsea player will probably win. Controversally, Dele didn’t make the list. (Guardian)
Didier Drogba has joined USL club Phoenix Rising. He’ll play for them this year, then transition into an executive role. (ESPN FC)
Gareth Bale is out this weekend, and might miss the second leg against Bayern Munich. (Marca)
You should be reading
Edd Norval on Besiktas’ ultras and their fight against authority in Turkey. (These Football Times)
Tom Coleman on the university team in Wales fighting to make the Europa League. (Guardian)
Mark Ogden on why Diego Simeone should be Arsenal’s top managerial target. (ESPN FC)
What happened on Wednesday
What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)
Europa League: four games (3 p.m.) — Most eyes will be on Anderlect-Manchester United, but we recommend Lyon-Besiktas.
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