Paolo Maldini - the farewell

Congratulations Maldini with your fantastic career, which is and always will be unique, simply unmatchable.

The behavior of some of the ultras yesterday was idiotic, disrespectful, childish and incomprehensible. If Maldini said something bad about the ultras, it was always to defend A.C. Milan, the team or a player of Milan. Or he blamed the ultras because they didn't support the team enough.
This shows what a great captain he was, it are remarks you can expect of a captain and they should make you respect him even more. The remarks should have made the ultras think about their behavior and consider improving it.
Instead some ultras felt offended, because they think that they are the most important and they think they are above the club. Some supporters forget their main job, they think that it is their job to run the club and so they forget what they actually should do and that is supporting the club.

Originally Posted by Karim

someone explain, did the Curva Sud do this or a section from the Curva Sud?

Just a section.

Let me say that what happened to Maldini yesterday was an abomination. He is definitely one of my football heroes, and is undoubtedly a role model to many.

However, there is a reason why the Curva Sud did this. Some of you may not want to admit it, but there are people in Italy who consider Maldini arrogant. I have several friends in Italy--Milanisti, Juventini, and Romanisti--who say the same thing. Rumour has it that after the 2005 Final, Maldini refused to talk to fans at the airport, calling them "peasants" or something like that. I remember reading something like that back then, but thought that maybe the quotations were fabricated. I personally would not have held a grudge like that, but that is a very snobby and conceited thing to say.

We're irredeemably biased as Milan fans. Many of us are ready to defend Berlusconi despite his repugnant politics and values. We, as Milan fans, also turned a blind eye to our role in Calciopoli, which may have been engineered, but it is harmful to pretend we didn't do anything wrong. Yesterday was a culmination of all things wrong with the club--fan discontent, inability to grind out results, Ancelotti, Berlusconi, and Galliani. We have failed this season not because of referees, but because of a team that is crying out for reinforcements. This debate is already well rehearsed, so I will spare you.

Berlusconi in the 1990s passed a law that allowed the big clubs to negotiate separate TV deals, and, in the process, destroyed the future of the small clubs. Now he complains about how it is difficult to compete with richer European sides (see today's papers, for those who can read Italian). The truth is that he does not want to invest in this club. Has anyone heard Moratti whine about finances?

A few years ago Galliani said that Milan could not pick up Henry because Barcelona were offering him 10 million euros clean, which was a colossal lie. He also complained that we would have to pay 20 million euros to match Barca's offer (tax rate in Italy is 50%). Kaka' and Ibra are the highest earners in world football, and Henry makes significantly less than they do. The only reason we did not pick up Henry was because the Frenchman wanted to go to Barcelona over us.

For the first time in many years, I fear Kaka' will leave this summer to Real Madrid. The writing is on the wall, and the denials from management, as I have said before, have been tepid or absent. In return we may or may not spend the money on useful players. Most likely we will use it to cover our 60 million euros debt. In the meantime Juve and Inter are buying wisely. Diego is an excellent purchase in my opinion.

I am not saying this to complain. I want you guys to realize that Milan will not be able to compete in Europe for a long time because of mismanagement.

It's also down to an interview he gave la Gazzetta at the start of last season, and also his contract negotiations.

Silly reasons to do such idiot actions.

Originally Posted by Hasan Rossonero

We, as Milan fans, also turned a blind eye to our role in Calciopoli, which may have been engineered, but it is harmful to pretend we didn't do anything wrong.

I think most Milan fans are painfully aware that we most likely deserved to be punished in the calciopoli, and probably even to a bigger extent than the actual penalty ended up as. I thought it was ridiculous that we actually got punished based on the evidence put forward, as they were paper thin, but I have no illusions that we are an innocent victim of Moggis' iron fist. This is South Europe, this is Italy, and the way society works there is very much reflected in the calcio. For example are bribes a normal part of society, and that's just the way their society is. By all means, I don't defend bribes, match fixing, doping etc, and calcio (as with every league) should be clean and fair, but I have a little more understanding of how things end up as they do in these countries.

And let's not forget that calciopoli isn't the first time Milan has been "caught" cheating. And frankly, we have Berlusconi as owner, the most powerful man in Italy, and widely known to put ethics aside to get what he wants.

But then again, those who follow calcio love it despite it flaws, or maybe even because of them. There is no league in the world that is quite the same, the drama, the beauty, the scandals, the emotions. Calcio is the true mirror of our own flaws, and this extreme humanity is one of the most fascinating things about it. I prefer it over the calculated (and dull) machine that is Premier League.

I agree, it makes for good copy, but it comes at the expense of the health of Italian football. It would be entertaining were not the future of Italian football at stake.

I feel a huge void after yesterday, not just because of what happened to Maldini, but also that we are in real danger of losing out on our one objective this season. That would be pathetic and rest assured our market would be significantly ruined.

Originally Posted by Hasan Rossonero

Let me say that what happened to Maldini yesterday was an abomination. He is definitely one of my football heroes, and is undoubtedly a role model to many.

However, there is a reason why the Curva Sud did this. Some of you may not want to admit it, but there are people in Italy who consider Maldini arrogant. I have several friends in Italy--Milanisti, Juventini, and Romanisti--who say the same thing. Rumour has it that after the 2005 Final, Maldini refused to talk to fans at the airport, calling them "peasants" or something like that. I remember reading something like that back then, but thought that maybe the quotations were fabricated. I personally would not have held a grudge like that, but that is a very snobby and conceited thing to say.

We're irredeemably biased as Milan fans. Many of us are ready to defend Berlusconi despite his repugnant politics and values. We, as Milan fans, also turned a blind eye to our role in Calciopoli, which may have been engineered, but it is harmful to pretend we didn't do anything wrong. Yesterday was a culmination of all things wrong with the club--fan discontent, inability to grind out results, Ancelotti, Berlusconi, and Galliani. We have failed this season not because of referees, but because of a team that is crying out for reinforcements. This debate is already well rehearsed, so I will spare you.

Berlusconi in the 1990s passed a law that allowed the big clubs to negotiate separate TV deals, and, in the process, destroyed the future of the small clubs. Now he complains about how it is difficult to compete with richer European sides (see today's papers, for those who can read Italian). The truth is that he does not want to invest in this club. Has anyone heard Moratti whine about finances?

A few years ago Galliani said that Milan could not pick up Henry because Barcelona were offering him 10 million euros clean, which was a colossal lie. He also complained that we would have to pay 20 million euros to match Barca's offer (tax rate in Italy is 50%). Kaka' and Ibra are the highest earners in world football, and Henry makes significantly less than they do. The only reason we did not pick up Henry was because the Frenchman wanted to go to Barcelona over us.

For the first time in many years, I fear Kaka' will leave this summer to Real Madrid. The writing is on the wall, and the denials from management, as I have said before, have been tepid or absent. In return we may or may not spend the money on useful players. Most likely we will use it to cover our 60 million euros debt. In the meantime Juve and Inter are buying wisely. Diego is an excellent purchase in my opinion.

I am not saying this to complain. I want you guys to realize that Milan will not be able to compete in Europe for a long time because of mismanagement.

I've never heard of him being called arrogant by anyone, in the press, personally or any situation. He's clearly very confident and isn't afraid to let his opinion be known, but that's quite a difference to being arrogant.

As for the rumour about him calling the ultras mercenaries and peasants, he might have said that (no proof of it), but quite frankly these ultras are nothing more than thugs, who have shamed the club with a long line of deplorable acts (especially in the past few years). Quite honestly, if they wish to act the way the do, then they deserve what they get called and don't deserve any respect. Without wanting to make excuses for Maldini, him calling him that on the odd occasion might not be correct, but he's been more than loyal and repaid these asses over the years with hell of lot more than they deserve. On top of that, it was obvious that after Istanbul everyone related to the club at any level was highly emotional and so any ill feelings would be felt much more. If Maldini did call them mercenaries, then I wonder what they must have done to get such a response in the first place.

I don't want to turn this into a calciopoli debate, so I'll just say that in the court of law you're innocent until proven guilty, which we never were. We were penalised for nothing and had more evidence of ill acts against us than us doing these acts (where there was no convincing argument). I'm not saying we're a squeaky clean club (I doubt any club is), but no way were we proven to have a role in calciopoli to suggest we deserved punishment.

This Kaka saga is being blown way out of proportion. Marca and AS are the ones to generally create the rumours and the only Italian paper that has really said anything is Corriere Dello Sport. Kaka himself has said more than once he will remain at Milan quite clearly.

I will probably seem biased over this argument, but what happened yesterday was completely over the line and these actions deserve no defending whatsoever. I'm usually a fairly level headed person, but the fact is I don't remember ever being as angry about a footballing event as I have been after this.

Venturing off-topic, the problem is that while the Kaka issue may have been blown out of proportion due to AS and Marca and CdS, it didn't help that his father is known for publicly butting into his affairs, whether it be contract negotiations or the whole Madrid saga.

Originally Posted by Hasan Rossonero

Let me say that what happened to Maldini yesterday was an abomination. He is definitely one of my football heroes, and is undoubtedly a role model to many.

However, there is a reason why the Curva Sud did this. Some of you may not want to admit it, but there are people in Italy who consider Maldini arrogant. I have several friends in Italy--Milanisti, Juventini, and Romanisti--who say the same thing. Rumour has it that after the 2005 Final, Maldini refused to talk to fans at the airport, calling them "peasants" or something like that. I remember reading something like that back then, but thought that maybe the quotations were fabricated. I personally would not have held a grudge like that, but that is a very snobby and conceited thing to say.

We're irredeemably biased as Milan fans. Many of us are ready to defend Berlusconi despite his repugnant politics and values. We, as Milan fans, also turned a blind eye to our role in Calciopoli, which may have been engineered, but it is harmful to pretend we didn't do anything wrong. Yesterday was a culmination of all things wrong with the club--fan discontent, inability to grind out results, Ancelotti, Berlusconi, and Galliani. We have failed this season not because of referees, but because of a team that is crying out for reinforcements. This debate is already well rehearsed, so I will spare you.

Berlusconi in the 1990s passed a law that allowed the big clubs to negotiate separate TV deals, and, in the process, destroyed the future of the small clubs. Now he complains about how it is difficult to compete with richer European sides (see today's papers, for those who can read Italian). The truth is that he does not want to invest in this club. Has anyone heard Moratti whine about finances?

A few years ago Galliani said that Milan could not pick up Henry because Barcelona were offering him 10 million euros clean, which was a colossal lie. He also complained that we would have to pay 20 million euros to match Barca's offer (tax rate in Italy is 50%). Kaka' and Ibra are the highest earners in world football, and Henry makes significantly less than they do. The only reason we did not pick up Henry was because the Frenchman wanted to go to Barcelona over us.

For the first time in many years, I fear Kaka' will leave this summer to Real Madrid. The writing is on the wall, and the denials from management, as I have said before, have been tepid or absent. In return we may or may not spend the money on useful players. Most likely we will use it to cover our 60 million euros debt. In the meantime Juve and Inter are buying wisely. Diego is an excellent purchase in my opinion.

I am not saying this to complain. I want you guys to realize that Milan will not be able to compete in Europe for a long time because of mismanagement.

Good post.

Just want to touch on the Kaka issue. His father was also creating trouble this past Jan and many thought that meant his departure but it didn't pan out like that. Marca has said a million times that CRonaldo will move but he's also reiterated his desire to stay in England as has Kaka (in Italy). We should stop reading into these stupid rumour mills and focus on our mercato objectives.

Though the way things are going at this club, I won't be shocked if he actually decides to leave. Hopefully the end of Maldini's career means we'll forget old glories and hunt down new ones.

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

I've never heard of him being called arrogant by anyone, in the press, personally or any situation. He's clearly very confident and isn't afraid to let his opinion be known, but that's quite a difference to being arrogant.

As for the rumour about him calling the ultras mercenaries and peasants, he might have said that (no proof of it), but quite frankly these ultras are nothing more than thugs, who have shamed the club with a long line of deplorable acts (especially in the past few years). Quite honestly, if they wish to act the way the do, then they deserve what they get called and don't deserve any respect. Without wanting to make excuses for Maldini, him calling him that on the odd occasion might not be correct, but he's been more than loyal and repaid these asses over the years with hell of lot more than they deserve. On top of that, it was obvious that after Istanbul everyone related to the club at any level was highly emotional and so any ill feelings would be felt much more. If Maldini did call them mercenaries, then I wonder what they must have done to get such a response in the first place.

I don't want to turn this into a calciopoli debate, so I'll just say that in the court of law you're innocent until proven guilty, which we never were. We were penalised for nothing and had more evidence of ill acts against us than us doing these acts (where there was no convincing argument). I'm not saying we're a squeaky clean club (I doubt any club is), but no way were we proven to have a role in calciopoli to suggest we deserved punishment.

This Kaka saga is being blown way out of proportion. Marca and AS are the ones to generally create the rumours and the only Italian paper that has really said anything is Corriere Dello Sport. Kaka himself has said more than once he will remain at Milan quite clearly.

I will probably seem biased over this argument, but what happened yesterday was completely over the line and these actions deserve no defending whatsoever. I'm usually a fairly level headed person, but the fact is I don't remember ever being as angry about a footballing event as I have been after this.

I know you're a level-headed person. However, the media fawns on Maldini in Italy. His statuesque good looks and grace during interviews can sometimes cloud the judgement of many. Rest assured, there are some in Italy who are not completely enamoured with Paolo. In a regional, class-conscious country like Italy, calling someone a peasant can be quite offensive. I don't like the ultras as well.

As for Kaka' remaining--I don't doubt that he wants to remain. However, I really don't trust Berlusconi. Milan are struggling financially, and Kaka's sale will provide succour, even if I personally think it will create more problems in the long run.

@boring

I hope so also. I also hope Kaka' stays for life. He should be captain next, not Gattuso. A captain should have equanimity and authority. Gattuso is just fiery. However, yesterday Berlusconi said that Gattuso should be next captain.

Ambrosini would not be a good choice either because of his penchant for suspensions.

Originally Posted by Hasan Rossonero

I know you're a level-headed person. However, the media fawns on Maldini in Italy. His statuesque good looks and grace during interviews can sometimes cloud the judgement of many. Rest assured, there are some in Italy who are not completely enamoured with Paolo.

I've never bought into Paolo as a model of perfection that the press and fans have made him out to be, because it's unrealistic. There are no perfect people in the world.

If he called a group of fans "peasants," it's obviously not very nice. However, don't wait FOUR YEARS and for such a huge occasion like yesterday to respond to it, which is far more idiotic than the remark itself.

Originally Posted by Blacktop

I've never bought into Paolo as a model of perfection that the press and fans have made him out to be, because it's unrealistic. There are no perfect people in the world.

If he called a group of fans "peasants," it's obviously not very nice. However, don't wait FOUR YEARS and for such a huge occasion like yesterday to respond to it, which is far more idiotic than the remark itself.

True. It shows a sort of sick obsession.

I think all this points to the mindset we should be all in....no one is above the team, not even Maldini nor Berlusconi, nobody. Curva sud can have it's questionable elements just as ownership can be acting questionably and very likely counter to the long term well being of the team.
As fans we support the team in ways we can and hope for actions that will lead it to where it surely is capable of.

I'm not all that surprised of what the Curva Sud did this past game day. I admire the passion and environment that they put up every game day. I have however known for some time that they have a high degree of absolute "NO CLASS".
Oh they have a right to express their opinion as they did when Maldini made a final run around the San Siro. But before we all go pointing shame at the display they have shown, let us not forget that the same lack of decorum gets posted in here by many members all the time. We live in a glass house too at MM yet we love to cast big stones.
I find it best to put these high emotions in check and save it for the time of success. AND we have always succeded! Dont get mad, frustrated, disrespectful, or mean spirited when what we all want doesnt come. Glory will come but not on our timely convenience.
Come what may good or bad and LOVE IT.