There are several links between Bournemouth and AC Milan, but now a new one can be found thanks to the mayor. 

Before the game, Justin Kluivert spoke about his relationship with Milan, thanks to his father and his previous meetings with the club. Then, there have been links between the clubs thanks to the colours they share.

Their biggest relation, though, comes in where they play tonight: the Europa League. For Bournemouth, it’s a fantastic achievement and a crowning moment on a story that has taken them from the fourth tier of English football to Europe in 20 years.

It’s not seen in the same light for the Rossoneri. 20 years ago, they finished third in Serie A, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League with Andriy Shevchenko scoring 28 goals in all competitions. Last season, then, was seen as another failure to achieve and here they are as a result…

Bournemouth’s Milanese Mayor

Now, a new link has emerged, thanks to the mayor of Bournemouth. As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, Roberto Rocca was born in Milano, but moved to Bournemouth in 2013 and was appointed mayor in May.

Speaking to BBC Radio, he admitted that he loved both clubs, as the report relays.

“My family will probably support AC Milan, but I feel great pride for both the Milanese team and Bournemouth. Bournemouth is my home now, my city, and so I support Bournemouth above all else. I hope Rose’s team can progress in the Europa League this year.

“An event like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, both for Bournemouth, which hosts AC Milan, and for me, as I hold the office of mayor, just as the team is playing in a European competition for the first time in its history.

“There is a large Italian community that lives here because Bournemouth is a wonderful place to live.”