Farewell to the Architect of AC Milan's Success, Berlusconi

 Farewell to the Architect of AC Milan's Success, Berlusconi

President of AC Milan Silvio Berlusconi and Barbara Berlusconi arrive at AC Milan's Casa Milan on June 6, 2014, in Milan, Italy. (Getty)

Former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi passed away today at the age of 86 in his hometown Milan on Monday. AC Milan expressed their grief and condolences on his death. Berlusconi was the former owner of the Italian club. He was also a legendary figure in the history of Milan.

Berlusconi acquired AC Milan in 1986, and during his tenure, the team went on to achieve success after a few years of failure. During this time, Milan won five European Cups and eight Italian League titles. His era at Milan spanned almost three decades, ending in 2017. He sold Milan to a Chinese company for €740 million.

Milan paid tribute to the former owner on their official Twitter account, saying, "Deeply saddened, AC Milan mourns the loss of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi, and is close to his family, friends, and loved ones."

Berlusconi served as the Prime Minister of Italy for four terms. Not only in politics but he was also known as a businessman and a sports enthusiast, nicknamed the "Comeback King." Within less than 18 months of leaving Milan's ownership, he returned as the majority owner. In 2018, Berlusconi's holding company Fininvest became a 100% shareholder of the club's third-division team. Along with his time and the former CEO Adriano Galliani, they built a unique legacy at Milan. They achieved something unprecedented in their 110-year history, winning Serie A after a long time.

Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of Real Madrid, won the league as a player with Milan during Berlusconi's time in 1988. He later returned as a coach and won the league and the Champions League in 2001 and 2009.

However, the Italian coach initially received criticism for his defensive tactics. Later, using these tactics, he led Milan to win two Champions League titles and the Coppa Italia. Under Ancelotti, Milan secured 82 points in 34 matches, winning the league. In a tweet, the 64-year-old coach expressed his condolences, saying, "Today's sorrow cannot erase the moments of happiness we spent together."

Inter Milan, Milan's city rival, also expressed their condolences on Berlusconi's death. They remembered his contribution to football. As a political figure, Berlusconi was controversial. He faced allegations of tax evasion, bribery of judges, and engaging in fraudulent activities.