Former Rossoneri star returns to oversee the Serie A club’s sporting development.
AC Milan has appointed Zvonimir Boban as the club’s Chief Football Officer (CFO), a newly created role.
Boban will be responsible for the co-ordination and oversight of the club’s Sporting Area activities and will work closely with CEO Ivan Gazidis and the newly appointed Technical Director, Paolo Maldini.
Zvonimir Boban is in the Hall of Fame of the ‘Glorie Rossonere’, with nine trophies (including the UEFA Champions League 1994, UEFA Super Cup 1994 and four Scudetti), 251 matches with the Rossoneri and 30 goals in his playing career.
A leader both on and off the field, Boban was captain of both Dinamo Zagreb (at only 19 years of age) and of the Croatian National Team. He has always stood out for his technical skills as an elegant midfielder, combined with his tactical understanding and strong personality.
Boban was able to bring these attributes to the fore in his executive career, culminating most recently with his appointment as FIFA Deputy Secretary General in May 2016, where he took care of various projects for the development of football and competitions which included the recent introduction of the VAR.
AC Milan’s CEO Ivan Gazidis said: “I am very excited to welcome Zvone back home, in our club.
“I am confident that, thanks to his background, experience and his skill set, Zvone will contribute significantly to the growth and development of our Sporting Area and will lend invaluable support to the club’s institutional relations with Football bodies.
“Together with Paolo Maldini, I have at my side two individuals of undisputed quality and competence who are able to convey our vision and build an increasingly competitive and successful AC Milan.”
Zvonimir Boban explained the reasons for his return, stating: “I am very happy to return to my beloved AC Milan and I will give my contribution to bring the club back to where it deserves to be.
“Milan must be a leading and winning club, because this is the only nature of its history and it’s the essence of our fans and their passion. I will give all of myself for this cause and for the Rossoneri colors.
“When Paolo called me to check on my availability, I jumped into my car and went to his home in Milan in the middle of the night to evaluate the situation. After talking with Ivan and the property, everything was clear. And here I am, in my city, at my club I love and in a land that has given me so much. I hope I can repay the trust placed in me.
“I would also like to thank the President of FIFA Gianni Infantino who, although he is an “Interista”, has been a true friend and understood that this was a call similar to the one I got 3 years ago. Impossible to refuse. Forza Milan!”
Image: PA Images
