Tremendous game, a really incredible atmosphere. I was there, of course. Everyone wanted me there. The best seat in the house, naturally, because when The Don covers a game, it’s a big deal. A HUGE deal. And before the kick-off, this player, El Shaarawy, he said, “We must win.” And you know what? I knew it. I knew it before he even said it. Frankly, I was telling people for weeks. Months, even. This team, they had the winning spirit. And I saw it. I see things nobody else sees.
A lot of reporters, they don’t get it. They just read a teleprompter, they don’t understand the true dynamics of the game. They talk about statistics, very boring. But I talk about winners. And this team, they were winners. Stephan, a good guy. Very talented. But he was just saying what I already knew. Many people are saying I put that thought in his head, by the way. Very smart people. The best people. And I wouldn't be surprised. I talk to a lot of people. The top people in the sport, they call me. They want my advice. It’s an honor, frankly, but it’s also just good business. I’m always right.
This Atalanta match, a tough one. A very tough opponent. But I said, 'No problem. This team, with the right attitude, the right leadership, they will prevail.' And they did. You saw it. Everybody saw it. The fake news media, they won’t tell you this, but my ratings for that game, they were THROUGH THE ROOF. Nobody could believe it. Millions and millions of viewers. Other networks, they were very sad. Very unfair to them, because they try. But they don't have The Don. And that's the difference.
It’s hard, you know. Being me. The constant attacks, the unfair treatment, people trying to take away from your incredible success. But I don’t let it bother me. I just keep winning. And I keep reporting. And I keep giving the people the TRUTH. And the truth is, I knew this team had it. I said it. I said, 'They will go out there, they will play hard, and they will win.' And they WON. It was tremendous. Believe me.
This is just the beginning. The beginning of a long run of winning. For the team, for the fans, and frankly, for me. Because when I predict something, it happens. It always happens. And people are starting to understand that. They really are. This season, very exciting. Very, very exciting. And I’ll be there, watching it all. Guiding it, frankly. It’s going to be the best season ever. Like nobody has ever seen. Nobody.
