I don't know man, X-Off's post wasn't that bad, really. I mean, he plays horribly and looks horrible (because of the thing he had to cover his eyes with). Sure I wouldn't have said it, but then again I'm a different type. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) It did not came across as a comment with malice, and definitely not as harsh/hard a word you hear on other fan forums.

Obviously, it's a bad thing to wish ill on anyone, even on players one doesn't like (it's a sports after all, knock knock). But you know there comes a time when players are way downhill from what they were at their peak. Like it or not, that's just how the game is now-a-days. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Anyone that turns over 30 starts the journey into the west, some slower, some quicker, basically it depends on how fast a star burns. As midfielders and attackers go, they really should know when to call it quits, and hand over the reigns to the younger players, just like they themselves got their chance many a moons back.

It's only when a player holds the club back the problem arises. And I mean, intentionally or otherwise, or senators are holding us back from becoming what we can. Majorly because of the management, the coach not trusting younger players, and the bigwigs not buying new players for the sole reason that they think they have a good enough squad. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) That's where the frusturation creeps in. Because if you hate a whole bunch of players that much, you really are following the wrong club then.

I don't think Boateng is nearly as good as players we had before him in that position, but you can see the difference he made. Tell me you want to play Amrbo or Gattuso in his stead still. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) When did Seedorf last put in a match turning performance that took the contest by it's neck, shook it and turned it around? The best they can do is give their all and well, not fudge things up. And that can (and has been) be scary.

Well Ambro was great under Leonardo as the DM. Gattuso was good last season. Our only option on the right of midfield and he did a great job covering up for Abate. And I don't really need to talk abotu Seedorf? Match turning performance? Last season he put in a scudetto winning performance over a series of games.

And am I the only one who things Rino simply means, he does not want his career to end like this? Due to a freak injury, but rather end in graceful retirement on the football pitch?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Let's not go there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) I was a big, big fan of the guy. And then 2007 ended.


Surely not, and best of luck to Gattuso, not just for the thought, but coming back to the pitch and exiting like he entered it all those years back. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Even though I still think the time of grace had come and gone, I mean, last year was as good a chance to say goodbye after winning the Scudetto. I know, I know he had a year left on his contract.

Maybe the senators thought that they still had another shot at the title, and they still do. But surely they have to make a decision (as hard as it is) sooner rather than later. I mean, what's stopping them playing till 50 then, most of our champions definitely do have the heart for it.

Even substitute apperances aren't the solution, you just have to say goodbye someday, right? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) What hurts me is the transfer strategy (and grooming the youth) of the club. Why do they have to leave it till the very end. Seedorf, Gattuso, Nesta, everyone should have taken certain players under their wings and given them to the club as their replacement. You know the Australian Cricket team and how they do things around there. When a captain leaves, there is another one to take his place. When an opening batsman leaves, there are two younger ones.

If you do things in patches (the seniors in our main core group are all 35), things get rough. Anyway, I don't think meaning harm for anyone does wonders for a person wishing it. And besides, anyone wearing club colors deserves respect, let alone players who have earned it over a course of a decade. Cassano, Gattuso, get well soon. And fast.

You know, I really stay puzzled with some comments or thoughts. For instance, how can one be a fan of Seedorf till 2007 and then stop? I really don't think it's possible.

The negative comments about Gattuso at this point are just childish and malicious. I get that people become irritated when Allegri plays Gattuso on and on while he doesn't exactly shine, or when he makes mistakes...but now, at this moment? Really unnecessary. Let's try behave like gentleman for once.

Not stopped, it's just his performance graph has really dipped after our CL win. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) That was when a lot of our first XI felt that they've conqured it all, and then it started showing when we couldn't qualify for the competition the next season and finished fourth after that, and then further journey into oblivion.

I mean, the footballing genius Seedorf has acquired all these years hasn't gone anywhere, it's still there. But it's plain evident he can't keep it up, not when it matters the most. As a number 10 (figuratively speaking, of course, I know he doesn't get to see the pitch that often now-a-days), he is the pivotal point of the attack.

Anyway, I have always believed a player leaving the game at his absolute peak, on his own terms is legendary. Those who stay longer, should still have a plan in place to set sail, a lot of our seniors haven't discussed it in public (Paolo used to). If they can, they'd probably stay on for another 3-4 years on the same contract. Ah, vanity!

Heck, even Facebook gives you an option to unlike people. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I kid. I kid. But really half-way through the 30s is a delaying the inevitable long enough for most footballers - unless they are super special ones. We can (and should) have a couple of senior players in the dressing room, just to balance things out. However, the reigns ought to be trasnferred to the next lot to keep up the club's winning ways.

Rui Costa's last season with us wasn't bad enough by any means, the maestro still had it in him. But the gentleman that he was still chose to gracefully shake hands and say goodbye. The seniors we have in our team can probably get any backroom job they want, anywhere - they were collectively the best of Europe for a few good years, after all.

Well, then we just disagree. I think it's a privilege to see the players you like play as long as possible. When they are finally gone, I'd wish one more season of them or a few more matches, even if it means they make me angry from time to time. And IMO we're overreacting with Seedorf - he has deteriorated, but by all means, he gives more then he takes, he still is more useful then harmful.

Nowadays, you really cannot say there are many players who hang their boots at their peak. Not many.

As for Costa, he was a great player, but he's sometimes glorified more then he deserves. He deteriorated: at Fiorentina he scored and played a vital role, while at Milan Kaka clearly benched him and he simply lost his touch for the finish, I remember him wasting chances and struggling to hit the target. Then, he didn't exactly retire but go to Benfica where he now occupies a very tempting post. I wouldn't call it all gentlemenship, his departure that is.

One more thing: I'm sure Seedorf would leave Milan the moment we'd find someone like Kaka. Boban left because he knew Rui was on his way, Rui left because Kaka made a big impact and benched him - always mind that line. Now, is there really someone to replace Seedorf? If Eriksen comes, I'm positive Seedorf will either leave or accept a small bench role.

Funny you should say Eriksen now. I was all for Hazard till I saw how Zanetti had him in his pocket in the highlights reel. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Belive me, when I say that I too would like to see the players play as long as possible. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I should know, seeing as my "Favorite Five" retired within the same generation. But it's just not possible. Just one of those stupid universal laws. Ultimately I think an year or two here and there doesn't matter. It's going to end someday, everything does.

I wanted Maldini to play another year, I wanted Ronaldo to play another four. But they were sane enough, in the end.

I never wished ill on Gattuso. I hope he gets well soon and his problem is solved. I also wish he retires.

^^ Ok. That is an opinion I can agree with. I'm sorry, if I misunderstood your tone. It happens when you read posts.

Cassano Article..

I especially liked the last paragraph:



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Cassano released from hospital

Cassano returned to Milanello (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

http://videa.hu/videok/sport/cassana-a-mil...UiAxRam0JW0PvyQ

(IMG:http://media3.acmilan.com/uploads/photogallery/images/386/cassanone7_big.jpg)

(IMG:http://media3.acmilan.com/uploads/photogallery/images/386/cassanone2_big.jpg)

(IMG:http://media3.acmilan.com/uploads/news/images/casgat1.jpg)

Good to see him back! (IMG:http://www.villatalk.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/notworthy.gif) (IMG:http://www.villatalk.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/notworthy.gif)

For a team that didn't want him a couple of years ago, they sure seem to have missed the void he left.

I'm very happy he's back and looking well and his usual happy self.