Roberto Donadoni, the former football coach and player, recently shared poignant insights about his career and the lasting impact of Silvio Berlusconi, the late former president of AC Milan. Despite being out of the coaching sphere for five years, the 61-year-old Donadoni's passion for the game and deep-seated memories continue to resonate as he reflects on his past and the opportunities he missed.
Get ready for some heartfelt confessions, as Donadoni opened up about Berlusconi's influence on his life during an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Just seven days prior to Berlusconi’s passing, Donadoni reached out to the San Raffaele hospital. He recalls, "I called the hospital and asked the secretary to inform him I was thinking of him. The following day, he called me back. His voice was weary, and he said, ‘Oh Roberto, it’s nice to know you still think of your president.’ It brought tears to my eyes, and to this day, I get goosebumps thinking about it. It’s a memory I will cherish forever. Berlusconi always showed attentiveness to everyone he worked with."
But why, one might ask, hasn't Donadoni returned to coach since his stint at Bologna ended poorly? His last coaching tenure was with Shenzhen FC, where he grappled with considerable challenges. "I took over when they were on the brink of relegation, and we managed to save the team. The following season, I clashed with the sporting director—a fellow who I hear has ended up incarcerated for various messes he caused," he explained, reflecting on the difficult dynamics at play.
It’s clear from his tones and expressions of nostalgia how deeply Donadoni feels about AC Milan, the team where he made his mark as both player and coach. "At the 125th-anniversary celebration of AC Milan last December, I expected to be approached, but instead, I found myself pondering why they hadn't contacted me for managerial roles lately," he noted. He reminisces about his time there, citing names like Leonardo, Pippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Cristian Brocchi, and Gennaro Gattuso, who all took turns coaching the club after him. Donadoni remarked, "I even brought it up with Berlusconi once, asking him directly if it was Galliani who didn’t want me. His answer? It was Galliani’s call, which had nothing to do with my capabilities. Despite my ideal fit for the position, I was overlooked."
Despite this feeling of loss, the former manager has found solace knowing he had opportunities elsewhere, including interest from clubs like Cagliari, though nothing substantial materialized. “I have some bitterness about it, but it’s all part of the game,” he admitted. He yearns to work with young players, to mentor them and witness their growth, expressing the deep-seated joy he finds in coaching. "The taste of results is something I truly miss—it's longing for the fulfillment of seeing players succeed as you guide them along their journeys," he shared.
Looking at the current state of AC Milan, it’s evident his connection runs deep. From his vantage point, he expressed sorrow, saying, "Sitting up there watching the team, I struggled to recognize the Milan I loved and played for. It hurts; the style has dissipated, and I’m not just speaking of the pitch—which used to be vibrant with spirit and tradition."
Donadoni’s affection for football legend Arrigo Sacchi was evident, too, as he recounted recent communications with him. "I called Arrigo recently; his heart surgery was significant. He requires love and support from his loved ones and the world of football. The game needs to embrace his humanity and recovery," he urged, showcasing not just his camaraderie with fellow players and coaches but a reminder of the fragility of life itself.
Despite feeling overlooked, Donadoni remains hopeful about stepping back onto the field—whether it’s with another club or possibly even back at Milan. He said, "I would return to Parma without hesitation, but they chose Chivu instead. It’s difficult to understand when less experienced individuals are placed in positions I feel I could thrive.”
The next chapter for Donadoni remains unwritten, but one thing is clear: his love for football, respect for Berlusconi’s legacy, and the desire to contribute significantly to the sport he adores are undiminished, even after these years away from coaching. It’s not just nostalgia coloring his sentiments, but also lessons learned from the late Berlusconi, who, with all his complexity, deeply appreciated the bonds built within the football fraternity.