Former Italian NBA player Danilo Gallinari has praised Gerry Cardinale’s leadership of Milan and said he believes Cardinale and RedBird Capital are committed to remaining at the club for the long term.
Speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, Gallinari said Cardinale had performed well despite entering an unfamiliar football environment. The lifelong Milan fan also compared the current ownership with the club’s achievements during the Silvio Berlusconi era.
“I think he’s doing a great job, and I say that for two reasons. First, I’m a Milan fan. Second, to have witnessed Milan’s rise during the Berlusconi era, becoming one of the most successful clubs in football history, was truly remarkable and wonderful. It was amazing,” Gallinari said.
He went on to support Cardinale’s approach to running the club, particularly his focus on operations and finances.
“What Gerry brings is a concept regarding club operations and finances, and I believe this model can work. A club that had never achieved positive cash flow in the past has done so over the last two or three years,” he added.
Gallinari said Cardinale deserved recognition alongside Berlusconi, who oversaw Milan’s rise to become one of football’s most successful clubs.
“I want to pay tribute once again to Berlusconi, but also to Gerry. He entered a completely new football system, and despite the criticism, he did not give up. He has always been there, always focused on the club, and has no intention of leaving Milan,” said Gallinari.
He also dismissed the idea that Cardinale’s involvement would be temporary, drawing a distinction between RedBird Capital and ownership groups that have departed after a short period.
“Some of these groups come for a while and then leave, but he won’t. Gerry and RedBird Capital are here to stay for the long term.”
