Jean-Pierre Papin recounts AC Milan transfer and Berlusconi meetings

In his autobiography, ‘Itinerario di un bambino non così viziato’, former French striker Jean-Pierre Papin shares details regarding his transfer to AC Milan and his interactions with the club's late president, Silvio Berlusconi.

Papin recalls that while Berlusconi personally called him to express interest in Milan, executives from Napoli were the first to visit his home in a formal manner. He describes a luxurious recruitment process involving a helicopter trip from Villa d’Este on Lake Como to Berlusconi’s villa in Arcore. Papin noted the immense wealth on display, including artworks by Rembrandt and Caravaggio.

Following the visit, which included attending a Milan-Lazio match at San Siro, Papin signed with the club. He also reflected on his departure from Milan in 1994, noting that a lack of playing time led him to join Bayern Munich after being convinced by coach Giovanni Trapattoni.