Former AC Milan midfielder and executive Zvonimir Boban recently shared his thoughts on various topics related to his old club in an interview with Radio Deejay. The Croatian legend addressed several issues, including his time as a director at Milan, the current state of the club, and broader concerns in football.
Reflecting on his impact in football administration, Boban said, “Perhaps I didn’t do much to change the usual technocracy and football politicians who, when it comes to making choices, always choose either politics or their own interests. I was of no use there.”
Regarding the controversial issue of organized fan groups and potential mafia infiltration, Boban commented, “We have always known that there were strange things, with many having strange interests. This is worrying, it’s not easy even for the clubs. I can’t accuse people a priori of I don’t know what they’ve done.”
On his departure from Milan’s management, Boban explained, “It was because of an interview that I found sacrosanct. After a few months, we found ourselves without support or trust. They wanted to bring in Rangnick, they had started talking. We weren’t able to get clarification.”
Addressing his relationship with Paolo Maldini, Boban stated, “We have an excellent relationship. Paolo and I are friends, I believe and hope we will be for life. I have no problems with anyone: I love, support, and watch Milan with great interest.”
When questioned about potentially harboring resentment towards Milan, Boban clarified, “What does Milan have to do with it? Milan has nothing to do with ownership. If you support Milan, you love Milan, and that’s it.”
Commenting on the current state of football, Boban observed, “We see fewer and fewer of those aces that were in teams, that romanticism that we’ve always liked. This tacticism was already beginning to take shape in the 80s.”
Regarding his departures from both Milan and UEFA, Boban reflected, “Probably yes [I’m not suited for certain managerial roles]. I was almost four years at FIFA, three at UEFA, then you have to look at things. I left FIFA because I wanted to try with Milan, given the situation it was in and also because Paolo had called me to help him.”
Boban concluded by addressing the Diarra case, stating, “It’s a complicated story, very strange and heavy. It seems that the boy was mistreated enough for incorrectly applied laws. I believe in institutions, but they too must do better.”
