At the Sala Affreschi in Palazzo Isinbardi, the IV edition of the “Francesco Zagatti” memorial tournament was presented in memory of one of the club’s historical figures, a man who for more than 20 years contributed to the success of the club’s youth sector. The tournament will take place at the ‘Mario Casadei’ sports centre in Milan between 5 and 26 May and is reserved for the Esordienti 2000 age group. 24 teams will take part. ARIEDO BRAIDA (A.C.MILAN SPORTING DIRECTOR)Talking about Francesco Zagatti for me means talking about a friend. Football was and is our lives. Francesco was an educator before he was a coach. Him and Galbiati were maestros of football. He always taught his players the real values of life and of sport both on and off the pitch. That’s how I like to remember him.
FILIPPO GALLI (HEAD OF THE A.C. MILAN YOUTH SECTOR)You can’t fail to remember the great humility of the man. Anyone who came through the youth sector will have beautiful memories of him both professionally and as a human being. After I was first selected by Milan he came to me and said I had feet like shovels! He was a fantastic person. The memorial is organized by one of our football schools and is inspired by the values that he transmitted. Together with the marketing department and MilanLab we’re giving continuity to the Junior Camp project with his teachings.
LAURA MASI (DIRETTRICE MARKETING A.C. MILAN)I met him more than 20 years ago when I arrived at the club working for the marketing department which was new at the time. He made me feel at home. His colleagues are bringing forward the work that he started. In Milan Junior Camp, presented last week, the aim is to involve more and more kids every year. Milan is a huge brand in Italy and the world and our Academy coaches are the ambassadors.