Leaked Speech Reveals Racing President Milito's Fiery Defense and Club Vision
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Racing Club president Diego Milito delivered a fiery private speech after the team's Copa Argentina win, which was later leaked.
- In the leaked video, Milito criticized perceived external attacks and media manipulation, vowing to build the club for the long term.
- Milito emphasized his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy at Racing, stating his position as president is secondary to his ambition for the club's future.
Diego Milito, president of Argentine football club Racing, found himself at the center of controversy after a passionate private speech he delivered was leaked online. The incident occurred shortly after Racing secured a 1-0 victory against Belgrano, advancing them to the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina. Milito, who had faced criticism and insults from some fans in recent matches, addressed members of his board and assembly before heading to the stadium.
That's over, that's why they attack us. That's why they kill me! That's why they put money into journalists. That's why every time Racing loses a game, the stadium falls! It's not normal, it's not normal. We know who we are dealing with, I've known it since day one, I knew it wasn't easy. Because the change is cultural and we are going to think long-term. In that long term we are going to win and we are going to lose. But we have to be united and convinced of what we are doing. At least we are! More than ever! And that's how I want you, because you are Racing.
In the leaked one-minute, 14-second video, Milito's voice was filled with conviction as he addressed what he perceived as external pressures and negative media coverage. "That's over, that's why they attack us. That's why they kill me! That's why they put money into journalists. That's why every time Racing loses a game, the stadium falls! It's not normal, it's not normal," he declared. He stressed the need for unity and long-term vision, asserting, "We know who we are dealing with, I've known it since day one, I knew it wasn't easy. Because the change is cultural and we are going to think long-term. In that long term we are going to win and we are going to lose. But we have to be united and convinced of what we are doing. At least we are! More than ever! And that's how I want you, because you are Racing."
I am not here for a position. The truth, with all due respect, I don't give a damn about the position. It is an honor for me to be president of Racing. But you know what is most important? The ambition for which I am here, which is to leave something behind. One day Milito will leave, nothing will happen, I don't need it, thank God. I've worked my ass off my whole life, I don't need anything, but I want to leave something to the club and that's why I got involved. And I will achieve it. And I will achieve it and I need you! We are going to win tonight!
Milito further articulated his dedication to the club, downplaying the importance of his presidential role. "I am not here for a position. The truth, with all due respect, I don't give a damn about the position. It is an honor for me to be president of Racing. But you know what is most important? The ambition for which I am here, which is to leave something behind. One day Milito will leave, nothing will happen, I don't need it, thank God. I've worked my ass off my whole life, I don't need anything, but I want to leave something to the club and that's why I got involved. And I will achieve it. And I will achieve it and I need you! We are going to win tonight!" he exclaimed.
It was a pep talk for the insiders.
Sources within the club described the speech as a "pep talk for the insiders." The intensity of Milito's delivery marked a departure from his typically measured public appearances. This passionate outburst contrasted sharply with his usual conciliatory tone, with the exception of a May statement where he criticized the state of Argentine football and AFA officiating. Following the leak, Racing coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda echoed Milito's call for unity, stating, "I want the club united, I know some may have differences, but I want a united club and I take this opportunity to call for that."
I want the club united, I know some may have differences, but I want a united club and I take this opportunity to call for that.
Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.