'Unforgettable': European football clubs pay tribute to ex-AC Milan chief Berlusconi

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - European football clubs on Monday offered condolences over the death of ex-Italian prime minister and AC Milan's former owner Silvio Berlusconi.

"Deeply saddened, AC Milan grieves the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi and wishes to reach out to the family, associates, and most cherished friends to share our sympathies," Milan said on Twitter.

"Thank you, Mr. President. Always with us."

Berlusconi, who died at 86, was a longtime AC Milan president and the club's owner between 1986 and 2017 who turned the struggling team into a European powerhouse.

AC Milan won eight Italian Serie A titles and an Italian Cup (Coppa Italia) in the Berlusconi era.

He also led the once debt-ridden club to win five UEFA Champions League titles, five UEFA Super Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup before handing over his stake to a Chinese-led consortium for €740 million ($788 million) in 2017.

AC Milan's archrivals Inter also extended their "deepest sympathies" on Berlusconi's death.

"He left an indelible mark on the history of our country. The matches between Inter and his AC Milan side saw the city of Milano become the epicentre of the footballing world," Inter said in a tweet.

The 2023 Italian Serie A champions Napoli said they were "saddened to hear of the passing of Silvio Berlusconi."

Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid also expressed their sadness to Berlusconi's family, his loved ones, and to Italian football fans.