Interviewed by SkySport microphones, Flamengo sporting director José Boto wanted to talk about Amorim and his Milan.

The Portugal Football Summit became the stage of a meeting between past and future; the current Flamengo sporting director reunited with Rúben Amorim, with whom he shared six long seasons at Benfica, then moved on to discuss the work the Portuguese coach has done in Serie A at Milan, all on Sky Sport microphones.

Milan, hear Boto's words

Boto focused on the tactical dynamics and the difficulties the coach is encountering in adapting to Serie A, asking the Rossoneri environment for a lot of patience:

‘He plays a special kind of football that needs time and the right players for this style. Obviously you have to win, but you have to give him some time to adapt to Italian football and for the players to adapt to his football. If he gets this time it will be good for Milan, which will finally be able to fight for something important after Pioli. His football is not different, for example like De Zerbi’s, but it is special and requires the right players. He is looking, with Gonçalo Ramos and Moreira, for this football that was very successful at Sporting.’

Beyond the on‑field dynamics, the interview then moved to the sporting director’s future. Currently tied to the Brazilian club Flamengo, Boto has never hidden his love for Italian football and the Rossoneri club:

‘My future? I have a contract with Flamengo, it is a huge club and it is a life experience to be there in Brazilian football and especially in a club with 40 million fans. Italian football seduces me, I have already said it many times. The sporting director role is very important in Italy, more than in other countries and I liked being in football. From Flamengo to Milan I would not change the Rossoneri shirt (laughs, editor’s note) nor the greatness of the club. Milan? It is a club I have watched since I was a child. If a call came? We will see.’

Milan hunting Italians for UEFA lists: here the strongest and where to find them