Andrea Agnelli believes Milan and Inter would be better having their own stadiums, while Juventus ‘don’t regret’ theirs seating just 41,000.
Milan and Inter are working on a new, 60,000-seater stadium to replace San Siro, and Agnelli was asked for his thoughts, given he oversaw Juve bin the ageing Stadio delle Alpi for their current home in 2011.
“It’s a stadium that’s still full today, it’s extraordinary,” he told reporters.
Andrea Agnelli believes Milan and Inter would be better having their own stadiums, while Juventus ‘don’t regret’ theirs seating just 41,000.
Milan and Inter are working on a new, 60,000-seater stadium to replace San Siro, and Agnelli was asked for his thoughts, given he oversaw Juve bin the ageing Stadio delle Alpi for their current home in 2011.
“It’s a stadium that’s still full today, it’s extraordinary,” he told reporters.
“That aside, you have to think about what makes a stadium modern. A modern system, with its needs, so that it can be used 360°, sponsors for its activities and spaces.
“In that respect, I must say that San Siro makes its age felt. It’s been up since 1925 and if I had to choose, I’d go for a modern installation, one that’s completely new.
“You can't be nostalgic when you look at innovations, the things that must offer the best conditions to play football in today’s world and have a stadium that lives 365 days a year.
“If the decision was up to me, I’d do everything to have a completely new system in place.
“I believe that anyone would want their own stadium… We think of Liverpool and Everton, Manchester with two stadia, cities that are similar and even smaller than Milan. Two stadiums would be ideal.
“After that, there are a series of reflections with regards to economy, finances and planning. It’s up to the clubs to make their own assessments.
“If I had the stadium, I’d like it exclusively for the team and club I represent, so Inter have their own stadium and Milan have theirs.
“We’ve often been criticised in Turin for having a stadium with 41,000 seats, but we haven’t regretted it. You must prioritise filling the stadium for every game.”
Agnelli was then asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s recovery from a hamstring injury.
“He’s fine,” he explained.
“We’re lucky that we’re able to count on 25 quality players. Obviously having him on the field gives us an extra sense of security, but with muscle injuries you have to be careful and risking him could mean losing him in the future.
“It’s better to protect him for one game than the next two-and-a-half months.”