[Carson35]

Baresi in shock Fulham link Monday 20 May, 2002

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Franco Baresi could be about to turn his back on Milan and make a surprise move to Premiership side Fulham.

Reports have suggested that Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed wants the Italian to join the London outfit and Italian newspaper ¡¥Corriere Della Sera¡¦ claims that the Milan legend will accept the switch.

The former Italian international will receive his Coaching licence in June from the Coverciano training centre.

And he could put it into immediate use by leaving the Rossoneri after over 20 years of service.

Baresi, now 42, is one of three Vice-presidents at the San Siro but also overseas the youth sector for the Italian giants.

His possible role at Craven Cottage is still unclear after the club seemed to confirm that Coach Jean Tigana would remain in charge after speculation linking Ruud Gullit with his job earlier this season.

Baresi won 18 major trophies with Milan, which included six League titles and three European Cups.

He was also a first team regular with the Azzurri for over a decade. He made his debut in 1982, making 81 appearances and scoring one goal.

channel4

 

[San Siro]

If Mahatma moved to Fulham or any other team to be a coach, that would be a good thing for him to get coaching experience before he gets back to his home, at Milanello and takes charge of the Milan team some time in the future. It is simply going to happen for him to be a future coach of Milan, that's undeniable and Berlusconi himself wants it too, so a good practice elsewhere to any team can be beneficial for him.

However, what this article is saying is pure BS when it mentions that "Baresi would turn his back to the Rossoneri." That either shows a blatant lack of knowledge on Milan about the author of this article or simply a major mistake from them. Baresi CANNOT and WILL NEVER turn his back to Milan. Milan is his home; he didn't turn his back when Milan went to Serie B, while he could have easily done that (like most of the other players of the time at that time; and he had offers from Juve, and lots of other teams of Serie A) but he simply stuck with us through thick and think. That's why he is a legend, a vice-president, a future coach and why not, a future president.

FORZA KAISER FRANCO!:star:
# 6 for ever!:star::star::star::star::star::star:
FORZA MAHATMA!:star:

 

[Politician]

Yep, seems completely verified by a basically 100% reliable web site, www.theworldgame.com.au

Baresi to be Director of Football at Fulham Probably doing it to check out the English talent for the Rossoneri

 

[Carson35]

Flummoxed Baresi denies Fulham move Tuesday 21 May, 2002

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Despite reports that Franco Baresi had agreed a move to Fulham, the man himself maintains the club has jumped the gun.

¡§I haven¡¦t signed anything yet and there is nothing official about this,¡¨ said the former Milan legend.

¡§In one or two days I¡¦ll be able to give a more precise answer one way or the other.¡¨

¡§I cannot understand how some stories emerge in such a way,¡¨ added the ex-defender on the Milan website. ¡§I am only considering Fulham¡¦s offer.¡¨

This morning the official club website announced that Baresi would be their new Director of Football from June 1.

However, Baresi did leave some hope that the deal could be completed after all.

¡§If I were to accept this offer then at least for the first year I would not be the team Coach,¡¨ he explained.

¡§Jean Tigana would remain in his position and my eventual job would be as a consultant to President Mohamed Al Fayed.¡¨

channel4
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whats upl with that??? i thought baresi was going to fulham...

 

[Tim]

It looks like Mr. Fayed became too excited and announced the deal before it was concluded. Baresi is going to take a few days to decide whether to accept the position at Fulham.

 

[Debs]

And this is why we call it the silly season! Things are reported on sites and in papers and then the next thing you know they're denied.

From the official Milan site: (if this helps any, that is!!)

BARESI: 'I haven't decided, yet'
21 May 2002 17:48


MILAN – About his transfer on Fulham bench, Franco Baresi said that “I have to decide, yet”.
“I’ll be more precise in a few days – Baresi added -. But I really can’t understand where such news leaks from and how. I’m just thinking about Fulham offer”.
Anyway, Franco Baresi, whatever his decision will be, said that his relationship with AC Milan “will remain strong”.
“If I go to England, I will assist Fulham president Al Fayed for the first year, but nothing has been decided”.





So the answer is.....

 

[Carson35]

this is official...
======================
Baresi accepts Fulham post Thursday 23 May, 2002

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Franco Baresi has confirmed that he will be the new Director of Football for Premiership side Fulham.

The London outfit announced earlier this week that the Milan legend would join but Baresi stated that he had yet to make a decision.

However, after a brief consideration period, Baresi has revealed that he will be heading for Craven Cottage and will be primarily responsible for scouting, recruiting players and overseeing the club¡¦s youth academy.

"I still don¡¦t believe that I will be leaving Milan after 30 years here," said the now ex-Milan Vice-President. "It has been a difficult decision to make but I¡¦m convinced it is the right move.

"I needed a new challenge and felt the need to test myself with a new experience. In football it is always right to look ahead.

"I will never forget the great times that I¡¦ve had in Italy thanks to Milan and the supporters. The fact that I am what I am today is all down to the Rossoneri who have always shown me great affection."

Baresi will be aided in his new role by close friend and now former Watford defender Filippo Galli. "He knows English football and I¡¦m delighted that he is teaming up with me at Fulham," added the ex-Italian international.

The former elegant sweeper concluded: "I¡¦m looking to give my very best for my new club. And although it is important to continue with your life one thing is for certain - Milan will always be in my heart."

channel4

 

[Tim]

Yes, apparently it is official.

Have fun in London, Franco!

..and don't do nothin' I wouldn't do!

 

[David Votoupal]

As I see things, Al Fayed definitely has a strategy in place in case things go horribly wrong next season. This is clearly a sign Al Fayed is getting ready to sack Tigana. Certainly no surprise there, IMHO. Not when the prospect relegation is less desirable than ever...

 

[nasty nick]

That's what i call degarding himself, he played 20 years for Milan and loved this team so much, there were even rumours he would become vice-president. But what did he do? Join EPL relegation fighting money crap team Fulham, this is really a shame isn't it?

 

[Lav]

and then we were no more

the time when our greatest legend leaves us for a club that is barley surviving in ENGLAND...u know something is wrong.

Milan are no more...

He had the same jon here, plus he was with MILAN, his club, and he left....makes u wonder why?

Politics?
OR did he relise than u wont get anywhere at milan

Lav