ROME - After Silvio Berlusconi's resignation as Prime Minister of Italy, AC Milan fans are hopeful the billionaire tycoon might take back the reins of his beloved soccer club and lead it to victory next year.

In an interview before stepping down as prime minister, the 75-year-old said, "Maybe I'll be the president of AC Milan again" - a position he was forced to give up due to a conflict of interests after winning the 2008 election.

His statement set fan sites abuzz. "Finally!" read several comments on one forum, with one fan saying: "It's what he's best at!"