For Massimo Ambrosini and Serginho, clinching the prestigious 2003 UEFA Champions League title stands out as one of the pinnacle achievements in their celebrated careers with AC Milan, forever etched in the annals of the club’s rich history.
The duo, both former stalwarts of the Rossoneri, proudly played pivotal roles in that legendary squad that, more than two decades ago, raised the coveted trophy, a symbol of European football supremacy.
During an enlightening interview with Times of Malta, Ambrosini, who stepped into the captain’s role following the illustrious Paolo Maldini’s retirement in 2009, along with Serginho, reminisced about their historic successes and their illustrious time at Milan.
While visiting Malta for the SiGMA Europe 2024 event, they represented the Italian giants as ambassadors, working alongside Boomerang Partners, the marketing firm proudly collaborating with the seven-time European champions.
“The 2003 UEFA Champions League success is forever cherished as an integral part of our club’s legacy,” Ambrosini emphasized.
“Defeating fierce rivals Inter and Juventus in the semi-final and final, respectively, filled us and our fans with immense pride and joy.”
He also highlighted the 1999 Scudetto win as a significant milestone in his career, recalling how Milan, under the leadership of coach Alberto Zaccheroni, triumphed against all odds despite not being the favorites to secure Italy’s top honor.
“This European title was vital for us, as it was the culmination of Silvio Berlusconi’s ambition in assembling an extraordinarily talented squad designed specifically to conquer Europe,” Serginho explained.
Both players expressed deep appreciation for Berlusconi’s unwavering dedication to the club, a commitment that undoubtedly laid the foundation for many triumphs.
Berlusconi’s era at the helm is celebrated for its innovative tactics and attacking philosophy that significantly shaped the landscape of European football.
Under Berlusconi’s visionary leadership, Milan amassed an impressive array of accolades, including eight Serie A titles, five UEFA Champions League victories, three Intercontinental Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, five UEFA Super Cups, and seven Italian Super Cups.
“Silvio Berlusconi fundamentally transformed our club into a relentless winning machine, imbued with an ambitious and competitive spirit,” Ambrosini pointed out.
“He and Adriano Galliani possessed an innate passion for Milan, and with such devoted leadership, the path to trophy-laden success becomes a more attainable quest,” Serginho added.
Known for his tenacious and combative playing style at the heart of the midfield, Ambrosini joined Milan in 1995, leaving an indelible mark with over 300 appearances.
“I am honoured to have represented Milan for 17 years, filled with countless unforgettable memories.”
Serginho, who reached the zenith of his career at Milan after joining in 1999 and retiring in 2008, was celebrated as an adventurous left-back, consistently contributing to the team’s attacking prowess with his exceptional crosses and dribbling skills.
At Milan, Serginho celebrated the triumph of winning Serie A twice, clinching the UEFA Champions League on two occasions and securing a FIFA Club World Cup title.
“From a young age, I dreamt of wearing the Milan jersey, inspired by the golden generation featuring Marco Van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, and Patrick Kluivert,” Serginho shared.
Both Ambrosini and Serginho also took great pride in having represented their respective national teams, showcasing their talents on the global stage for Italy and Brazil in major tournaments.
Brazil turmoil
Serginho, a former international with 10 caps for Brazil, relished the glory of winning the 1999 Copa America and notably scored during the 1999 Confederations Cup final, despite Brazil’s heartbreaking loss to Mexico.
Brazil, a nation synonymous with football excellence and five-time World Cup champions, constantly faces the expectation to dazzle on the pitch and secure silverware.
However, with their last World Cup triumph dating back to 2002, impatience is brewing among fans yearning for a return to former glory.
In the context of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Brazil’s qualifying campaign has been tumultuous thus far, but they have recently regained form, currently seated fourth with 17 points. This places them in a strong position for direct qualification, while the seventh spot leads to playoffs.
Nevertheless, Serginho remains unconvinced by the team’s recent performances and frequent coaching changes.
“I see Brazil mirroring Italy’s situation; both teams are navigating a transitional phase filled with newcomers seeking to establish themselves,” he remarked.
“Brazil has struggled to find a cohesive playing system, and factors like political strife and challenges within the Brazilian FA have complicated matters further.”
Considering the rigorous demands of crafting a four-year winning plan for a World Cup, Serginho does not regard Brazil as frontrunners for the upcoming edition.
On a more positive note, Ambrosini expressed satisfaction with Italy’s resurgence after a disheartening exit in the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 against Switzerland.
Shifting their focus to the UEFA Nations League, Italy showcased their resilience by triumphing over France with a commanding 3-1 victory in Paris.
As a result, the Azzurri advanced to the Nations League quarter-finals, topping Group A2 with an impressive 13 points ahead of their direct clash with France.
“There was not a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the Italian national team following the European championships,” he explained.
“However, coach Luciano Spalletti is executing a brilliant strategy, demonstrating that Italy is brimming with talent capable of competing at the highest levels.”
Note: Boomerang Partners and Boomerang Bet are the official regional Betting Partner in Europe for AC Milan.
How did the experiences from their time at AC Milan shape their perspectives on the current state of football in both club and international contexts?
**Interview with Massimo Ambrosini and Serginho**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Massimo Ambrosini and Serginho. It’s a pleasure to speak with two of AC Milan’s legends, especially reflecting on that memorable 2003 UEFA Champions League victory. Massimo, can you start by sharing how that triumph felt, not just as a player, but as a part of Milan’s illustrious history?
**Ambrosini:** Thank you for having us. Winning the 2003 UEFA Champions League is something we will always cherish. That victory against our fierce rivals, Inter in the semi-finals, and Juventus in the final, filled both the team and our fans with immense pride. It was the culmination of hard work and talent, and it solidified our place in the club’s rich history.
**Editor:** Serginho, you mention that this achievement was vital for the club, reflecting Silvio Berlusconi’s vision. Can you elaborate on how his leadership impacted your success as a team?
**Serginho:** Absolutely. Berlusconi was a game-changer for AC Milan. He crafted a squad of extraordinary talent with the specific goal of conquering Europe. His innovative tactics and commitment to excellence shaped us into a competitive force. Under his leadership, we were not just a team; we were a winning machine, striving for greatness every season.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating to see how much influence a club president can have. Massimo, you also mentioned the 1999 Scudetto win as a significant milestone. How did that experience prepare you and the team for future challenges?
**Ambrosini:** Winning the Scudetto in 1999 was incredible, especially since we weren’t the favorites. It taught us about resilience and believing in ourselves against the odds. That mentality carried over into the Champions League campaign. The experience helped build our confidence and camaraderie, which was crucial in high-pressure situations.
**Editor:** You both have such rich histories with the club. Serginho, you’ve experienced the Brazilian national team at major tournaments. How does that international competition compare to club successes like the Champions League?
**Serginho:** Playing for Brazil is a tremendous honor. I had the joy of winning the 1999 Copa America, and every moment on that field was special. However, the feeling of winning a Champions League title with AC Milan, a club I’ve dreamt of representing since childhood, is unparalleled. Each victory carries a unique weight, but club loyalty and success hold a special place in my heart.
**Editor:** Brazil recently faced challenges, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup on the horizon. What are your thoughts on the current state of Brazilian football and the expectations placed on the team?
**Serginho:** It’s a tense time for Brazil. We’re a country known for its football excellence, and the pressure to deliver is always high. The last World Cup win was in 2002, and fans are eager for a return to glory. The qualifying struggles signal that we must adapt and grow, but the spirit of Brazilian football is resilient. We will find our way back to the top.
**Editor:** Thank you both for your insights. Your dedication to AC Milan and your experiences on both club and international levels add a rich perspective to the world of football. It’s inspiring to hear from two legends who helped shape the beautiful game.
