Ariedo Braida, a former director at AC Milan, has shared his thoughts on past club decisions, revealing that he made numerous attempts to recruit Francesco Totti. Braida also acknowledged that Milan erred in selling Patrick Vieira to Arsenal in 1996.
Braida stated that the legendary Roma and Italy figure, Totti, consistently declined opportunities to join the Rossoneri throughout his playing career.
Braida’s Persistent Pursuit of Totti at Milan
“I tried to sign him many times, both when he was a youngster and after he had already established himself as a champion,” Braida told Tuttosport. Totti spent his entire illustrious career with Roma, amassing 307 goals in 785 competitive appearances.
“However, he always kept his word. He had no desire to leave Roma and, in fact, remained there for his entire career. I have immense respect for that decision, even though every time we meet, I tell him: ‘Francesco, it’s a pity you didn’t listen to me. You could have won the Ballon d’Or.’”
While Braida was instrumental in assembling some of San Siro’s most successful and memorable teams, he also conceded that mistakes were made.
When questioned about a player who didn’t meet expectations, the former Milan director responded, “It’s easy. Patrick Vieira. A formidable midfielder.
“We signed him in November 1995 when he was just 19. In that Milan squad, brimming with champions, he found it difficult to get playing time, and we made a mistake by not being more patient with him. I’m pleased that a few years ago, he mentioned that I am his Italian father. I was convinced he would become a great player, but the competition at Milan was exceptionally high.”
Vieira played only two matches for Milan during the 1995-96 season before moving to Arsenal, where he spent the subsequent nine years. The French international later returned to Serie A in 2005 to play for Juventus, followed by a stint at Inter Milan from 2006 until January 2010. Vieira concluded his playing career with an 18-month spell at Manchester City.
