Silvio Berlusconi demands AC Milan return to Champions League

Milan: AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has demanded new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic to lead the club back into the Champions League.

Two weeks after hiring him, Berlusconi officially presented Mihajlovic on Friday as Milan opened its preseason training camp.

The former Italian premier says, "It's categorically imperative that Milan return to the Champions League and Europe next season."

Since winning Serie A in 2011, Milan has been in a downward spiral linked to less spending by Berlusconi. The Rossoneri finished eighth and 10th in the past two seasons, failing to qualify for Europe each time.

Mihajlovic, who played for Inter Milan, says that while he has no past history with the club, "I often played against Milan, so I know how much respect this shirt represents."

Mihajlovic signed a two-year contract.