Official statement by Milan before UEFA’s ruling
Through its Twitter profile, AC Milan wanted to remind everything that has been done during the first year of the Chinese management:
“Awaiting for UEFA’s ruling, we want to share some substantial facts with you all. We expect fairness, judgments, based on the facts that are the same for everyone.
Last April Milan was struggling (and suffering) for a place in Europa League, conquered on the last day of Serie A, since then we have renewed the group of players, creating the youngest team of Serie A. The fourth youngest in Europe (average years 24.6). We have invested more than 200 million euros to open a cycle. One year on, the value of the investment has remained unchanged and the market value of the squad is third in Serie A.
We have won qualification for the group stage of next season Europa League, and participation in two Italian Cup finals (First Team and Primavera) . We are requalifying Milanello by participating in the next women’s championship. We have joined the FIGC team B initiative and if deadlines allow we will participate in the next Lega Pro championship with our Under 21 team. We immediately aimed to give our organization more efficiency to manage the club in a virtuous way.
Despite the day after the “closing” two of the main sponsors (Audi and Adidas) resolved their contract with Milan we closed the balance sheet with 20 million euros more of revenues. The EBDTDA of AC Milan, including the summer transfers, will be positive for 28 million and better than last year of 50 mln, in line with the business plan presented to UEFA. We have reduced operating costs of 6 million euros.
The first team salary cap is now already below 60% of revenues, thanks to concentrated investments mainly targeting young and prospective players.
Our shareholder made a 88 million euro capital increase (not loans) in one year, raising the capital value of the club. Milan has always respected payment deadlines and is concretely aiming for an even more stable and prosperous asset.
All the facts are inspired by a single mantra: working for the future of AC Milan, an added value of the football world.
Milan is ready to pay for mistakes made in the past. We have the utmost respect for the rules but we expect fairness. Judgments based on facts, rules that are the same for everyone“.