Galliani: Monza’s promotion worth more than Milan’s Champions League | OneFootball

Adriano Galliani reveals he rejected an offer to remain at Monza as the club’s President and insists the Serie A promotion in 2022 was worth more than a Champions League title won by Milan.

Galliani spoke to Gazzetta after officially leaving Monza.

New York-based venture capital firm Beckett Layne Ventures confirmed on Thursday that they had taken control of the Serie B side with an 80% stake.

Galliani served as Monza’s CEO for several years, contributing to the first Monza promotion in Serie A in 2021-22.

Galliani rejected offer to become Monza President

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Silvio Berluconi and CEO of AC Monza Adriano Galliani attend the Serie A match between AC Monza and Torino FC at Stadio Brianteo on August 13, 2022 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

“It’s a powerful emotion. I’m leaving the club I’ve loved since I was five years old,” Galliani said.

“When my mother used to take me to the stadium in my city. I thanked the ownership that had offered me the role of President, but I can’t see myself in a club that doesn’t belong to Berlusconi or Fininvest.”

Galliani, a former Milan director who led the Rossoneri during the most successful years of their history, said that Monza’s historic promotion three years ago was worth even more than a Champions League title lifted by Milan.

“Even more. Milan had already won two before Berlusconi,” he said.

Galliani hopes Allegri wins Serie A title with Milan

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Monza had never been in Serie A. When the President promised it, some people smiled. Just like when he promised that Milan would become the World champions.”

Galliani has been linked with a return to Milan, but recently said he’d not take any role at San Siro. The 81-year-old, however, is confident that Allegri can win the Serie A title this term.

“Max is a great coach. I saw it clearly,” he said.

“When he was at Cagliari, I used to tell him: ‘You have the physique du role for Milan.’ Because to lead a big club, the presence matters. My dream is to win the league on the first try, like in 2010. He can do it. I’m optimistic. The Rossoneri directors made a spot-on choice.”