[Bluesummers]

First signing of our summer. I think he needs a thread.

[Tennie]

Here's my translation of the 'Flattuso' article on uefa.com's italian page (it doesn't appear on the English page). link

There are few doubts that AC Milan is the most 'Brazilian' team in Italy. Not only for the presence of many players from that South American country - there are 8 on the squad - but also for the style of play that Carlo Ancelotti has transmitted since his arrival in November 2001. The first acquisition of the next season for the rossoneri, Mathieu Flamini, could represent an inversion of this tendency; but in reality, the protagonist - albeit an involuntary one - of the acquisition of the French midfielder, arriving on a free transfer from Arsenal, is another Brazilian: Gilberto Silva.

Fantastic Partnership
Flamini came to the Gunners in 2004, thanks to payment of a FIFA indemity given that he hadn't signed a professional contract with Olympique Marseille, the team where he played in the youth ranks. In the first three years, Arsene Wenger didn't use him with regularity, to the extent that the midfielder stated a desire to change teams last summer. But in August, the extra vacation given to Gilberto Silva, who played in the Coppa America, gave him room to begin the seasion as a starter: he won the place on the team and never gave it up, forming a fantastic partnership with Cesc Fabregas.

“Flattuso”
The 'ifs' and 'buts' have never made football history, but it's possible that without playing for his national team, Gilberto Silva wouldn't have lost his starting position and Flamini wouldn't have had the occasion to get MIlan's attention. In an irony of sorts, the French midfielder was nicknamed 'Flattuso' by his Arsenal teammates, as his style of play is similar to that of Gennaro Gattuso. It's a comparison that Wenger acknowledged too: the two, next season, will be teammates.

More Offensive
The nickname was given 'by the African players at Arsenal, because' said the Frenchman, 'I never give up.' But the comparison with 'Ringhio' hasn't convinced Flamini. 'It's true that they call me that and that he's a great footballer', Flamini said some months ago, 'I don't want to sound disrespectful of his style because he's a marvellous footballer, but I think I'm different, more offensive. In any case, I want to have my own identity in the footballing world.'

Italian Father
The comparison with Gattuso isn't the only tie between Flamini and Italy. His father, Roland, was born in Rome and he's got relatives in the Eternal City. The midfielder, therefore, understands and speaks our language and this can ease his transition. The former player of OM and Arsenal is being called to break a taboo at Milanello, where French players haven't always met expectations. Having such problems include, among others, Patrick Vieira (one of the midfielders Flamini admires along with Roy Keane), Christophe Dugarry and Yoann Gourcuff, while Marcel Desailly was a pleasant exception to the rule.

Ancelotti Satisfied
What convinced Milan to buy Flamini was probably the two Champions League matches in which Arsenal denied Milan the chance to retain the trophy. 'He's a great player', said Carlo Ancelotti before the transfer, 'when he played against us he showed great dynamism and ability, someone like him could do well in any team. He's a great buy.'

Less Talkative
Flamini was less talkative. 'I'm very happy, thank you very much,' he said after passing his medical and signing a 4 year contract. His performance this year has been exceptional, with 30 games in the Premier League and 8 in the Champions League, with three goals scored. To prove himself in Italy, he'll be able to give them a definite sign.