Milan, a city steeped in history, art, and fashion, recently played host to a luminary of modern literature: Dan Brown. The author, celebrated globally for his intricate thrillers like `The Da Vinci Code` and `Angels & Demons,` was in town not just to promote his eagerly anticipated new novel, `The Secret of Secrets,` but also to reveal a less-known aspect of his life: his fervent support for Italian football giant, Inter Milan. This surprising allegiance, far removed from the cryptic puzzles of his books, has added a fascinating chapter to his public persona.
The Unveiling of a Nerazzurri Devotee
During his whirlwind promotional tour, Brown met privately with Inter Milan`s President CEO, Giuseppe Marotta. The encounter was far from a mere polite formality; it culminated in Brown receiving a personalized black and blue #10 jersey—the number typically worn by star forward Lautaro Martinez—emblazoned with his own name. Brown, who now proudly refers to himself simply as an «Inter fan,» disclosed that his passion for the club was ignited by an Italian friend. «We often discuss football,» he recounted, «and I make sure to stay informed about the team`s results.» It appears that even a mind occupied with ancient symbology and global conspiracies finds solace in the straightforward drama of a football match.
Weighing in on San Siro`s Destiny
Perhaps the most impactful moment of his visit, beyond the celebrity endorsement, was Brown`s thoughtful intervention in the ongoing, often contentious, debate surrounding Milan`s iconic San Siro stadium. The historic arena faces an uncertain future, with discussions swirling about potential demolition and replacement. Brown, drawing on his own experiences, offered a pragmatic yet respectful perspective on this delicate balance between tradition and progress.
He acknowledged the deep sentimental attachment fans have to such storied venues, comparing it to his own nostalgia for the old Boston Garden—a veritable cathedral of sport where he watched his beloved Celtics play countless times.
«I understand people`s attachment to San Siro,» Brown stated. «I also used to go see the Celtics at the Garden. And when they replaced it with a more modern arena everyone understood it was better.»
A Modern Solution, Rooted in History
Brown recalled how the Boston Garden, despite its beloved status and rich history, was eventually replaced by a more modern facility. «Initially, there was much nostalgia,» he explained, «but with time, the city realized the new facility offered a superior experience.» His message to Milanese fans and city officials was clear: change can be profoundly positive, provided the new project respects the past. He suggested that if a new stadium could preserve key original elements—perhaps by retaining the original field dimensions or even relocating symbolic parts of the historic structure, as was done with the original parquet floor in Boston`s new arena—it could effectively bridge the gap between cherished memory and necessary innovation. Such an approach, he argued, might make the transition more palatable for those devoted to San Siro`s enduring legacy.
A Dedication to the Nerazzurri Soul
Marotta, appreciative of Brown`s public support for the club and his measured insights on the stadium, extended a heartfelt invitation for the author to attend a live match at San Siro on his next return to Italy. In a reciprocal gesture, the author presented a special edition of his new book, `The Secret of Secrets,` inscribed with a poignant and personal dedication: «For Inter, my team away from home.»
It was a tangible mark of his allegiance, putting his «Inter fan» status in black and white for all to see. This unexpected convergence of a literary titan and a football powerhouse truly underscores how a shared passion for sport can indeed unite diverse worlds, offering a universal language of shared excitement, loyalty, and, occasionally, a dash of architectural philosophy. It seems even the most guarded secrets can be found on a football pitch, or perhaps, within the heart of an unexpected fan.