Milan Mayor Beppe Sala has responded to the opponents of demolishing the San Siro to make way for a new stadium in the city by suggesting that they are welcome to purchase the existing stadium should they wish to preserve it.
Speaking in a press conference as reported by Italian news service ANSA, the Mayor gave the view that the only way to keep the San Siro would be to buy it from the city.
The “Yes to Preserve Meazza” movement has gained a prominent supporter in the form of ex-Inter President Massimo Moratti, who has officially lent his voice to the movement against demolishing the San Siro.
Inter and AC Milan are determined to build a new stadium in the city in order to modernize their infrastructure and increase revenue, but the part of the plan that involves tearing down the existing San Siro has met with opposition, which is becoming increasingly organized.
In Sala’s view, however, the referendums and public discussions proposed by the movement are not a viable solution, and they would do better to organize to purchase the stadium.
“I say to those who want to save the San Siro stadium: the best way is to come up with a proposal to buy it, and then come forward and we will be available when the time comes to sell this asset,” he stated.
“I turn to Massimo Moratti,” Sala went on, “since I understand that he has become a part of this initiative. There can be a referendum but it can not take away my power to make these decisions because I was elected for to make them.”
He continued that “The argument for the old stadium is simple, keep the stadium in operation, keep it safe, and keep it well-maintained, something that will cost €5-10 million per year.”
“Among those who come forward, I think of Moratti, if they want to acquire it we are very happy,” he added. “The real problem is that the Municipality of Milan cannot, in the interest of its citizens, keep up the costs of an unused stadium.”
