AC Milan

Founded in 1899 as Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club, AC Milan were established by a group that included English expatriates living in the city. The club quickly became a force in Italian football and went on to build one of the most celebrated histories in the European game. Milan's identity has remained closely tied to their famous red-and-black striped shirts, which inspired the Rossoneri nickname, while San Siro became their home during the 1920s. Generations of domestic and European success have made the club, its colours and its distinctive oval crest recognisable throughout world football.

5 facts you might not know

1. Milan were founded by Englishmen
   English expatriates including Herbert Kilpin played a central role in establishing the club, which helps explain the use of "Milan" rather than the Italian "Milano".
2. Their colours were chosen to intimidate opponents
   Herbert Kilpin reportedly associated red with fire and black with the fear Milan would inspire in their rivals, creating the famous Rossoneri identity.
3. Cricket was part of the original club
   As their original name suggests, Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club was established for both sports rather than football alone.
4. Inter were born from a split within Milan
   In 1908, a disagreement over the signing of foreign players led a group of members to break away and establish Internazionale.
5. San Siro was originally built for Milan
   The stadium opened in 1926 as AC Milan's home, with city rivals Inter not beginning to share the ground until more than two decades later.