[Bluesummers]

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

[Habitant]

it's not offcial yet but it sounds like it's imminent.

great signing.

hopefully brocchi and emerson are out.

[Bluesummers]

it's not offcial yet but it sounds like it's imminent.

great signing.

hopefully brocchi and emerson are out.

dont dream.

[Jack Sparrow]

I don't really think our squad is big enough to let people off. I'd keep Emerson and Brocchi,especially with our famed luck when it comes to injuries to key players.

[kurtsimonw]

Get rid of Brocchi, keep Emerson. Rino, Ambro, Flamini and Emerson is enough for DMs.

[Guest_fresh_prince7_*]

Flamini close to Milan - Monday 5 May, 2008

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is set to be unveiled as a Milan player after completing his medical in Italy.

The Frenchman is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year Rossoneri contract worth around £3m per season after rejecting offers from both Juventus and the Gunners.

“I am really happy, thanks to everyone,” he told the waiting Press outside Milanello as he completed the final details of his free transfer.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri are still enjoying their win over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.

They are now inches away from Champions League qualification, which would mean a big boost for their hopes in the summer transfer market.

“We are happy because it is all up to us now, but there are still two difficult games against Napoli and Udinese,” claimed Vice-President Adriano Galliani.

“Winning the derby is not like winning the Scudetto, but this is worth a top-four finish for us.

“I don't think the campionato has been re-opened by Roma. The Giallorossi are flying high but they dropped points against Livorno and I can't see Inter failing to beat Siena.”

Galliani also commented on Filippo Inzaghi, who has been in great form recently and scored the opener against Inter, although he may not be called upon for Euro 2008.

“I have great respect for Coach Roberto Donadoni and he will make up his mind. It Is true though that Pippo has scored nine in the last five games,” he concluded.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So 5 defensive midfielders.. at least were covered in that area.

[Devillito]

So 5 defensive midfielders.. at least were covered in that area.

We are over-covered in that area (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
But still its a good addition, and i hope his
arrival means Brocchi and Emerson will leave.

[whoarethepatriot...]

Get rid of Emerson, keep Brocchi. Rino, Ambro, Flamini and Brocchi is enough for DMs.

Fixed

I would prefer it if we got another DM to replace Brocchi, then we would be set (for DM's anyway)

Still need LB CB ST GK AM reinforcements

EDIT:

Here he is with Braida, confirmation will be later today

(IMG:http://images.gazzetta.it/Hermes%20Foto/2008/05/05/0K0DZFHG--346x212.jpg)

This post has been edited by whoarethepatriots: May 5 2008, 03:07 PM

[Zed.D]

Calcio Debate: Fla-Money - A Great Signing For Milan


Mathieu Flamini will almost certainly sign for Milan today. Carlo Garganese believes this could prove to be the best transfer of the summer in Serie A…


When Ashley Cole left Arsenal in 2006 for a lucrative contract at Chelsea, he was dubbed, by some sections of the British media, as “Cashley Cole”. I can bet my house, once the exact figures of Mathieu Flamini’s Milan contract are released, that the first label that the Frenchman will be given is “Fla-money”. [(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) funny one, but he remains a great signing]

Regardless of this, no one can doubt that, regardless of the wages they are paying the Frenchman, Milan have pulled off a superb coup, especially when you consider they are not paying a transfer fee.

The 2-1 win over Inter yesterday proved conclusively that Milan do not need a revolution this summer, they simply need a few tweaks, which in turn could make them a real force in Italy and Europe next term.

The main reason for their struggles this season has simply been a lack of alternatives in their squad. When everyone is fully fit and in form, as was the case yesterday, Milan can be irresistible.

However, all around the field, there are no adequate substitutes, be it in defence, midfield or attack. At stages of the campaign the likes of Rino Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka, Ronaldo and Pippo Inzaghi, have all had extended spells on the sidelines, while Andrea Pirlo has struggled with fatigue due to overuse. The likes of Christian Brocchi, Emerson, Yoann Gourcuff and Alberto Gilardino are simply not good enough replacements.

Next season, Flamini will help to provide another option in midfield, and what an option he will be. The Frenchman has developed into one of Europe’s finest defensive midfielders. Brave, fiercely competitive, and strong in the tackle, his style of play is eerily similar to that of Gattuso, and there is no doubt that he will be the hardman’s long-term successor.

Flamini also possesses excellent tactical and mental attributes. His positioning is good, he knows how to close up the space between defence and midfield, and in this sense he is tailor-made for the style of Serie A. In fact his father is Italian, and he has relatives in Rome, so you would expect him to understand the culture well.

At the age of 24, Flamini has his whole career ahead of him, which is also relevant given the fact that many of Milan’s players are over or approaching 30 years-of-age. He will add some youthful exuberance to an experienced team, just what is required given the number of flat performances this term.

For those who say that he cannot co-exist with Gattuso, I would strongly disagree. The players may be similar, but Milan’s formation, be it 4-3-2-1 or 4-3-1-2 is flexible in allowing up to three centre midfielders to play in the same team, and furthermore I am certain that the ex-Marseille man is not a one-dimensional anchor man. He can take on a number of roles.

Having said this, the signing of Flamini will not be enough for Milan. Certainly the club needs to find some more alternatives, particularly at left back, centre forward, and in the attacking midfield position. A top quality goalkeeper will also be required, but perhaps this should be last in the line of priorities.

The capture of Flamini is a stunning signal of intent on the part of Milan, and providing Adriano Galliani continues his summer transfer work the way he has started it, next season could be a very fruitful one for the Rossoneri.

What are your views on this topic? Do you think the signing of Flamini is a good one for Milan? Will his purchase be enough, or do Milan need to strengthen other areas of the squad too? If so, where? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…

Carlo Garganese

[CrazyMilanFan]

i totaly agree with this goal.com article

[nuh]

flamini is such a gr8 sigining cuz he can play from lb/dmc/mc and he is for free

[Tennie]

It's official.

MILANO - L'A.C. Milan comunica di aver stipulato un contratto che legherà il calciatore francese Mathieu Flamini alla società rossonera dal 1 luglio 2008 al 30 giugno 2012.


(Milan announces a 4 year contract with Mathieu Flamini). (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[CrazyMilanFan]

god start to our transfer season hope we buy good player like him... mest of luck to flamini

[m1ke]

Welcome Mathieu (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) Good luck in the Red & Black.

[acid911]

Good to hear that he's official. Welcome flame, to Milan. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) Now, since he's a devil now, feel free to post your favorite video compilations of him, on Youtube or otherwise, just so we get a better idea of his skills. Eh, Locke?

[m1ke]

Eh, Locke?

Twist that knife (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Darunia]

Benvenuto Flamini!!!!!!

He looks good in a Milan shirt (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

Twist that knife

To be honest, it's not half as bad as it sounds. At least he signed up for his second favorite club, albeit on a free transfer. But still if I had a Milan player about to leave, I'd very much welcome him to leave to a club that I love and respect. It wouldn't hurt this way. Much.

Still, I feel for Locke. And Arsenal for that matter. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Ry4n]

Welcome Flamini !!!!!!!!!!!!! Do us proud !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FORZA MILAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gal_kenny]

GUys do you have pictures of him in the milan's Jersey?

[Zed.D]

[I know this is not a happy moment for Porty but...] YEAH!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

Welcome Mathieu!

[Tennie]

(IMG:http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/484/flaminitq8.jpg)

How's this? (From acmilan.com's italian page. Looks like it's at Milanello.)

[CrazyMilanFan]

(IMG:http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/484/flaminitq8.jpg)

How's this? (From acmilan.com's italian page. Looks like it's at Milanello.)

it is not a edited one it is real one that is certain

[Habitant]

great signing!

welcome to milan (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[gal_kenny]

Thanks maine..It looks great on him..

[Jack Sparrow]

What's his number? Is he gonna be getting Sergio's number or something? Or is Sergio with us next season?

[Tennie]

They haven't said yet, Jack. (What number does he wear for Arsenal?)

[Zed.D]

What's his number? Is he gonna be getting Sergio's number or something? Or is Sergio with us next season?

I'd like to see him take the #5 [if Emerson is leaving].

[CrazyMilanFan]

They haven't said yet, Jack. (What number does he wear for Arsenal?)

16

[Jack Sparrow]

Nope Kalac has got it.

I doubt he'll take 5. I doubt Emerson is leaving. Maybe his wages will be cut though.

I'm inclined to think he'll take Sergio's number...but him being a kid and all, he might decide to do an Oddo and take a all new number. Start a new legacy. Would be a good move too.

[CrazyMilanFan]

Nope Kalac has got it.

I doubt he'll take 5. I doubt Emerson is leaving. Maybe his wages will be cut though.

I'm inclined to think he'll take Sergio's number...but him being a kid and all, he might decide to do an Oddo and take a all new number. Start a new legacy. Would be a good move too.

i meant flamini has 16 in arsenal

[Tennie]

The #5 jersey is still, to me, Billy's. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)
(yes, I'm sentimental, but he did wear it for 20+ years)

The #14 jersey is available.

[whoarethepatriot...]

The #5 jersey is still, to me, Billy's.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)
(yes, I'm sentimental, but he did wear it for 20+ years)

The #14 jersey is available.

That and #5 is traditionally for defenders, i would prefer a new (worthy) CB to take that

#14 was last used by Vogel, if i am not mistaken

[I_Rossoneri]

Great signing(hopefully) and for free as well (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

More of the same please (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

Oh, and Neverson can kindly leave now and take his huge salary with him (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[dst]

#5 should have been retired anyway... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Zed.D]

^^

Oh come on! we can't retire all the numbers we have...

But one of the numbers I'm already sure we'll retire is 22. (no need to say if Kaka retires at Milan). there are very few players in Milan's history who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

[CrazyMilanFan]

^^

Oh come on! we can't retire all the numbers we have...

But one of the numbers I'm already sure we'll retire is 22. (no need to say if Kaka retires at Milan). there are very few players in Milan's history who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

to early to say that but if he stays till the end then defintly

[whoarethepatriot...]

(IMG:http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v255/5/56/63212068/n63212068_32300404_44.jpg)

Bigger image

[Tennie]

Er. Zd, we didn't retire Van Basten's #9. Kaka hasn't surpassed him yet, not in my mind.

[Zed.D]

Er. Zd, we didn't retire Van Basten's #9. Kaka hasn't surpassed him yet, not in my mind.

Er. Tennie. thing is, Kaka wears #22. it's not as famous or important as #9. that's why I said "I'm already sure about it". (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[whoarethepatriot...]

Er. Zd, we didn't retire Van Basten's #9. Kaka hasn't surpassed him yet, not in my mind.

Yeah

Baresi and Maldini were one club men, it was right their jerseys were retired. We should also have retired Costacurta's jersey. Its painful watching Emo fail and disgrace in that kit

[Tennie]

There's no way of being sure about something like that, zd. Kaka is a very good player, but there have been a lot of other very good players at Milan in the past and unless there's a major catastrophy, there'll be a lot of very good players there in the future.

Anyway, enough of that. This is the Flamini thread. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Let's discuss Flamini here, shall we.

[Portman]

Maybe he'll be a good signing. I always hated him but he improved a lot in the last 2 years.

We'll see. Good luck Flamini.

[nuh]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siI_4IYBink

[Rossoneri7]

Maybe he'll be a good signing. I always hated him but he improved a lot in the last 2 years.

We'll see. Good luck Flamini.

Last I heard, Silvio was done with teh Brazilian players .. He wants to turn Milan into a French colony (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)








(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Really good signing, if Milan allow him to play his proper game. He isn't just a DM, he's a very hard-working box-to-box kind of player, he needs to be given a bit of freedom to be effective.

I'm sure he'll turn out to be a top signing, I really rate the guy.

[arivanjj]

FORZA FLAMINI (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)


great signing... now let the others roll in (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[agenth]

Maybe he'll be a good signing. I always hated him but he improved a lot in the last 2 years.

We'll see. Good luck Flamini.

huh? why did you hate him? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[KillerMax]

Good signing. But we need more attacking players.

[kurtsimonw]

huh? why did you hate him?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

I'm gonna take a guess that it's because he's French? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[morgoth]

The #5 jersey is still, to me, Billy's.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)
(yes, I'm sentimental, but he did wear it for 20+ years)

Hum not sure about that, he was wearing the 19 back in 2003 (5 was Redondo's) ...

Anyway, welcome Mathieu I hope he keeps his season form and adapts quickly (it took 4 years in England (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) ) but the Milan environment is different (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[TriniKing_CE]

Flamini has reached - woohoo!
I am happy - hope he continues to do well!

[dst]

^^

Oh come on! we can't retire all the numbers we have...

But one of the numbers I'm already sure we'll retire is 22. (no need to say if Kaka retires at Milan). there are very few players in Milan's history who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

Costacurta is not just any player... you did not say that but I think your post above is very disrespectful towards Billy! Maldini overshadowed him but that does not mean he is not a great legend. He is among the very few that deserve such an honor!!

Kaka has offered very little compared to Costacurta. It's a disgrace his name is (right now) mentioned next to Alessandro's... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

edit: Ricardo to me is not even a Milan legend yet.

This post has been edited by dst: May 5 2008, 11:58 PM

[aLbErTo]

i'm not quite sure 22 will get retired...i thought also few years ago that 7 is gonna be, but you see know (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ...but in truth we are retiring only numbers of defenders (but really big ones)...do you imagine costacurta-baresi-maldini trio (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

I think we shall retire only one-club men's jerseys. Maybe 10 years down the line if Kaka is still playing in the red and black,has been just like he is now and hangs up his boots.

Both Baresi and Paolo are team captains btw.

Oh and I agree with dst. Kaka is a Milan hero. A looong way to go to hit legend status.

But then I dont' consider Rijkaard or Gullit to be legends either.

Capello is...since he was not just a player. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

So is Carletto. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[m1ke]

Blog: Gallic Gladiator
Mathieu Flamini will be wearing a Milan jersey next term and Richard Godden thinks it could be the signing of the summer

The 2007-08 season has proved to be a coming of age campaign for Mathieu Flamini. The Arsenal ace - who will arrive at Milan in the summer on a Bosman free transfer - has been one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe over the past nine months, bringing plenty of pace and energy to a role which generally requires only power and patience. At just 24-years-old, he undoubtedly has his best years ahead of him.

So it is safe to say that the Rossoneri have pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer before the current season is even complete. Although it's a tad harsh on Massimo Ambrosini, a midfield trio of Flamini, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo is as good as any in Serie A. With the hustle and bustle of the former duo allowing Milan's quarter-back to conduct the play from deep, it looks as though Carlo Ancelotti has found the perfect formula.

However, it does raise a question which I have been scratching my head over for quite some time - why was Emerson signed last summer? The Brazilian has made just six Serie A starts this season and made about as much impact as Ibrahim Ba has on his return to San Siro. And with Flamini, Clarence Seedorf, Cristian Brocchi and Yoann Gourcuff all ahead of the ex-Juventus and Roma man in the pecking order, does he have a future at the club? If you ask me, he shouldn't even have a past or present at Milan.

Another point worth making, particularly at a club which places such a firm emphasis on loyalty, is that Flamini has played for two teams in his career and on both occasions he has left on bad terms. While at Marseille, shortly after he had just played in the 2004 UEFA Cup Final, the French international decided to head for Highbury. L'OM did not receive a penny from the Gunners as Flamini had yet to agree a long-term professional deal - a scenario which seems to have blighted Italian clubs of late. Then Marseille boss Jose Anigo said at the time: “This is a beautiful treason. He used me.”

Arsene Wenger has yet to say anything to that degree, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he is not happy to lose a player he put plenty of faith in this season. By selling Lassana Diarra - his main rival for a midfield spot - he was effectively telling Flamini that he was part of the Gunners' spine, an integral part of the team. That has been thrown back in the tactician's face, although those saying it's all down to money don't know the whole truth. Flamini's father is from Rome and the midfielder recently spoke of how proud he was to be an Italian. So if Raymond Domenech gives him a summer call-up then there could be an intriguing conflict of interests at Euro 2008…

[m1ke]

^^ Do you think it's strange that our potential future captain isn't even perceived as a starter outside (and in some case, inside) of our fanbase?

[Tennie]

In a way, yes, it is strange. Thing is, Massimo has had a horrible time with injury. I think this is the first season in a very long time that he hasn't (touch wood) been out for an extended period on injury. And while he sometimes tackles just as well as Paul Scholes does (no offense to either intended), I think Max is having a very good campaign. He's absolutely adored by the couple of people I know who have season tickets, who credit him for having more heart than anyone else on the team.

[kurtsimonw]

I personally rate Ambro very highly, and prefer him to Gattuso. Rino can't do anything that Ambro can't - eg. work hard, win the ball back, play with a huge heart and has a fantastic work rate. - But Ambro even scores goals - one of the best headerers of a ball in the Milan team if you ask me. I'd be very disappointed if he wasn't considered a starter next season - given that he's been possibly our most on form midfielder this season!

[Zed.D]

Costacurta is not just any player... you did not say that but I think your post above is very disrespectful towards Billy! Maldini overshadowed him but that does not mean he is not a great legend. He is among the very few that deserve such an honor!!

Kaka has offered very little compared to Costacurta. It's a disgrace his name is (right now) mentioned next to Alessandro's... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

edit: Ricardo to me is not even a Milan legend yet.

What the hell are you talking about?!? I didn't insult Costacurta.

Some of you think you like/love one player more than others do, and it's really really sickening. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)


And oh, seems like Kaka has more haters on this forum than I previously thought. you guys can't stop mentioning the Athens final one day but when it comes to the one who almost single handedly won it for us... phew... he has offered very little? now that's a laugh. only six players in our history have won the Ballon d'Or and Kaka is one of them. only three players in our 'rich history' have won the Fifa world player of the year award in our history and Kaka is one of them. seven times we have managed to win the European championship and one of them was won mainly thanks to him. he has contributed enough to Milan [and will continue to do so] to be considered a legend and he is. doesn't matter if some of you don't really like him.

[Tennie]

Pot. Kettle. Black.

Everyone has favourite players, zd, including yourself. That said, even if Kaka has had some WONDERFUL years with Milan, I at least (and apparently not dst either) don't think he's quite reached the level of a Baresi or a Maldini or a Costacurta (guys who, while they may not have won the World Player of the Year award, DID win multiple European Cups with what is probably the best club team of all time). Give Kaka another 5 years in the Milan jersey and then, yeah. It'd be appropriate to talk legend status.

[kurtsimonw]

I agree with you there Zd. One example is that a few people on here see Pippo as some sort of legend - even considered having his number retired! But Pippo has done very little compared to Kaka' in my opinion. Heck, Pippo has only really had 1 good season for Milan in terms of goalscoring, the rest he's done very little, except a few goals in a CL every now and then (And this recent bit of temporary form).

Actually, I bet Kaka' has played more games, and scored more goals, for Milan than Pippo has!

Some players do seem 'untouchable' for some reason. And I really don't know why. I'll criticise anyone if they deserve it, if Maldini puts in a bad performance, it's no different than if Dida does, he deserves the same criticism.

[Rossoneri7]

What the hell are you talking about?!? I didn't insult Costacurta.

Some of you think you like/love one player more than others do, and it's really really sickening. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)
And oh, seems like Kaka has more haters on this forum than I previously thought. you guys can't stop mentioning the Athens final one day but when it comes to the one who almost single handedly won it for us... phew... he has offered very little? now that's a laugh. only six players in our history have won the Ballon d'Or and Kaka is one of them. only three players in our 'rich history' have won the Fifa world player of the year award in our history and Kaka is one of them. seven times we have managed to win the European championship and one of them was won mainly thanks to him. he has contributed enough to Milan [and will continue to do so] to be considered a legend and he is. doesn't matter if some of you don't really like him.

No one hates Kaka'. We ALL love Kaka'.

We all have eyes ... We all have minds to comprehend Z, and we all saw how Kaka' orchestrated Milan's dream to reach Athena! We all know he is first choice and indispensable to this club.

But a legendary status is something and freezing a number is something else. Kaka' has written his name in Milan's history, and no doubt he has another good six years to continue doing that. But that has nothing to do with the club freezing the number 22. I mean, not MVB or Altafini had such done for them and they were as crucial as Kaka' is. To freeze a number, you have to reach the status of Franco or Paolo ... And I'm sorry to say this but Kaka' is light-years away from that.

Still, Kaka' is our talisman, the focus of our attack! No one can say otherwise.


What dst is saying ... Is that if Billy didn't get his shirt frozen, then why should Kaka' get it ?

[Zed.D]

I agree with you there Zd. One example is that a few people on here see Pippo as some sort of legend - even considered having his number retired! But Pippo has done very little compared to Kaka' in my opinion. Heck, Pippo has only really had 1 good season for Milan in terms of goalscoring, the rest he's done very little, except a few goals in a CL every now and then (And this recent bit of temporary form).

Actually, I bet Kaka' has played more games, and scored more goals, for Milan than Pippo has!

Some players do seem 'untouchable' for some reason. And I really don't know why. I'll criticise anyone if they deserve it, if Maldini puts in a bad performance, it's no different than if Dida does, he deserves the same criticism.

Worst part is, they'll probably be defending Kaka [like they defend Pippo or Maldini or Billy now] five or seven years from now.

There's a long way between actually liking a player and 'pretending' to like a player. judging on some of the members' posts I've got the impression they are mostly pretending the like him. perhaps if he was Italian he would have gotten a lot more credit than this.

[Zed.D]

What dst is saying ... Is that if Billy didn't get his shirt frozen, then why should Kaka' get it ?

I think what dst said is very clear: it's a disgrace Kaka's name is mentioned next to Billy's. how do you interpret that?... personally as a Milan I felt insulted to see someone talk about our current best player like this.

Believe me if I had said something like this about Pippo I would've gotten slaughtered on here.

[acid911]

Sometimes I think the word legend gets thrown around too often! I mean to be called a legend you have to prove your undying love for a particular club. Paolo, Baresi, and Billy are the only three who deserve the tag. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Case in point: Rui Costa. He's as big a legend as any for Benfica - despite playing the best part of his career in Italy. It's his love that took him back there to spend the last few years in front of his home fans. He's as adored there as Paolo is in Milan.

Kaka will snug in an all-time Milan XI with ease. Give him some time to be called a legend. He's one in the making. And if he spends another six, ten years donning the Red and Black, no one can deny him the status. Look at Sheva, he made one bad call and not many people call him a legend. So is Inzaghi. Irrespective of all the million dollar goals he's scored for us, he's still a far cry from being called a legend. He's one of our best performing players of all time, nonetheless, but a legend? No thank you.

A legend is someone like Batistuta - how many medals and trophies he missed by staying loyal to Fiorentina? You can't count them if you tried. He could have sleepwalked into the top 3 clubs of that time, but he spent seven years there. Ditto for Rui Costa, who after spending five years was sold to us because of financial troubles at Viola. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Respect the word LEGEND. It's not something you see often.

[Tennie]

I personally think that Kaka is the best player in the world. Full stop.

That said, the one thing that does get on my nerves is the perception I have that some folks think he's the only good player on the team and that all the Italians suck. We all KNOW Kaka is good, we don't need it shoved down our throats at every opportunity. That doesn't mean that everyone else in a Milan jersey is a bad player unworthy of any praise.

So I do think there's really some middle ground in this disagreement, at least there is on my part. Perhaps we all need to be a little more understanding of the opinions of others.

[whoarethepatriot...]

I personally rate Ambro very highly, and prefer him to Gattuso. Rino can't do anything that Ambro can't - eg. work hard, win the ball back, play with a huge heart and has a fantastic work rate. - But Ambro even scores goals - one of the best headerers of a ball in the Milan team if you ask me. I'd be very disappointed if he wasn't considered a starter next season - given that he's been possibly our most on form midfielder this season!

Agreed. He is by far the best header of the ball in the squad. Gila is second strongest

I agree with you there Zd. One example is that a few people on here see Pippo as some sort of legend - even considered having his number retired! But Pippo has done very little compared to Kaka' in my opinion. Heck, Pippo has only really had 1 good season for Milan in terms of goalscoring, the rest he's done very little, except a few goals in a CL every now and then (And this recent bit of temporary form).

Actually, I bet Kaka' has played more games, and scored more goals, for Milan than Pippo has!

Some players do seem 'untouchable' for some reason. And I really don't know why. I'll criticise anyone if they deserve it, if Maldini puts in a bad performance, it's no different than if Dida does, he deserves the same criticism.

QFT. Thats the right attitude. People for some reason think that certain players are immune from criticism, that is not the case. Praise when necessary criticise when required. We cant just turn a blind eye for sentimentaility.

I think what dst said is very clear: it's a disgrace Kaka's name is mentioned next to Billy's. how do you interpret that?... personally as a Milan I felt insulted to see someone talk about our current best player like this.

Believe me if I had said something like this about Pippo I would've gotten slaughtered on here.

I dont think dst meant that. It didnt even really sound like he implied it. What dst is trying to say is that kaka has a long way to go before he can match Costacurta's stature. Billy was around for so long, suffered, bled and gave everything for a longer amount of time than Kaka. There is no doubt in my mind that Kaka will be a legend, just at the moment he is a hero

[acid911]

Worst part is, they'll probably be defending Kaka [like they defend Pippo or Maldini or Billy now] five or seven years from now.

There's a long way between actually liking a player and 'pretending' to like a player. judging on some of the members' posts I've got the impression they are mostly pretending the like him. perhaps if he was Italian he would have gotten a lot more credit than this.

I don't believe that to be the case. The whole Italian team combined can't shine a light to the talent and skills this guy has got. But you just can't compare him to Billy. Yet. The guy gave two decades to this club, and got nothing in return. Everything Kaka touches turns to gold. He's the best paid, and most respected player in the world. Tell me anyone else that's better?

And if five or ten years down the road some people adore Kaka, then he'd have earned the legend status. Trust me on this one, Z. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[acid911]

I personally think that Kaka is the best player in the world. Full stop.

That said, the one thing that does get on my nerves is the perception I have that some folks think he's the only good player on the team and that all the Italians suck. We all KNOW Kaka is good, we don't need it shoved down our throats at every opportunity. That doesn't mean that everyone else in a Milan jersey is a bad player unworthy of any praise.

So I do think there's really some middle ground in this disagreement, at least there is on my part. Perhaps we all need to be a little more understanding of the opinions of others.

The Italians hunt in packs. Their team spirit is their strength. As long as they are united and play as one team, they can be the top two team in the world (behind Brazil) any given Sunday. Germany, Spain, England can come in next. Even in games, Italian team chemistry is listed as over 90 every year. For a club like Real Madrid it's around 37. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Sure there are some very, very talented Italian, who can claim to be the world's best in their positions, but their main strength and skill is their team spirit and chemistry. Once that's down, as was in World Cup 2002, they fall apart. But if they play to their strength, few teams can dream of beating them.

[Rossoneri7]

I think what dst said is very clear: it's a disgrace Kaka's name is mentioned next to Billy's. how do you interpret that?... personally as a Milan I felt insulted to see someone talk about our current best player like this.

Believe me if I had said something like this about Pippo I would've gotten slaughtered on here.

(No need for these kind of remarks r7)Max... So I am sure, you can tolerate other's views (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

You guys were talking about having the number frozen ..

Costacurta, has given much more to Milan than Kaka' ... Not discarding Kaka' ofcourse, for he is by far Milan's best player atm ... Costacurta is a legend to this generation, the one before it, the one before that, the one before that also, and for the one before that too .. Costacurta has been playing with Milan long before Silvio Berlusconi came to Milan. Costacurta was an integral part in the gli invinsibli era, he formed what was then known as the old guard (the best defense Europe even saw) .. And has won countless trophies. Hence, dst said if Milan didn't freeze Costacurta's number for the years of service, why should they freeze Kaka's number (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ... When he said that 'disgrace' it was when you asserted that Kaka' had done more etc etc ..


Pippo ? what has he got to do with this ? ... Well for the record, he wont get his number frozen! And Pippo is no where near Costacurta, Paolo or Baresi .. In terms of legendary status he is a legend, as is MVB, etc .. But he didn't give as much as Paolo, Costacurta or Baresi ... If there is one player (other than Maldini) on our current lineup worth freezing his number, it is Ambrosini (because of the years of service he has given, but even then he is no where near Costacurta or Maldini)!



p.s. Kaka', Pippo, etc these guys have written their names into Milan's history and ten or twenty years down the road, Milanista's will be talking about them ... But not in the same breath as they would for Costacurta, Baresi or Maldini (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Once that's down, as was in World Cup 2002, they fall apart. But if they play to their strength, few teams can dream of beating them.

Lack of strength or a fix? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[acid911]

Agreed. He is by far the best header of the ball in the squad. Gila is second strongest

I'd put Inzaghi second behind Ambro, but then again that's just me. Gila is a very strong, physical player (when he's in the mood), with a very decent header. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

Lack of strength or a fix?

Both. But you can't deny they sucked. Even against Korea, Vieri missing all those easy chances, Del Piero was no where to be seen. Gattuso making his stupid little runs to the goal. Maldini was the only player putting his guts on the line. It just wasn't an Italian game if you ask me. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

The Italian team of 2006 will walk over Korea 92 times out of hundred.

[Zed.D]

I dont think dst meant that. It didnt even really sound like he implied it. What dst is trying to say is that kaka has a long way to go before he can match Costacurta's stature. Billy was around for so long, suffered, bled and gave everything for a longer amount of time than Kaka. There is no doubt in my mind that Kaka will be a legend, just at the moment he is a hero

For god's sake! didn't I say IF Kaka continues to play for Milan and retire in here?! when did I compare Kaka (of right now) with Billy? when?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) I can't remember saying "Kaka is better than Billy" or anything like that! I just said my opinion about Kaka and wasn't even thinking about Billy when I wrote the second part!

here's my damned post.

^^

Oh come on! we can't retire all the numbers we have...

But one of the numbers I'm already sure we'll retire is 22. (no need to say if Kaka retires at Milan). there are very few players in Milan's history who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

I said we can't because we didn't! I say we will because there's a good chance that it will hapen. I even said #22 is not an important number in any club. it's different from #9 or #5. the fact that new players pick #22 is Kaka. he made it famous!

I don't believe that to be the case. The whole Italian team combined can't shine a light to the talent and skills this guy has got. But you just can't compare him to Billy. Yet. The guy gave two decades to this club, and got nothing in return. Everything Kaka touches turns to gold. He's the best paid, and most respected player in the world. Tell me anyone else that's better?

And if five or ten years down the road some people adore Kaka, then he'd have earned the legend status. Trust me on this one, Z. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

PLEASE TELL ME WHEN DID I COMPARE HIM TO BILLY? WHEN??????????? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)



(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) what a funny forum this is... they put words that don't belong to you in your mouth and bash you for nothing...

This post has been edited by zdrossoneri: May 6 2008, 03:29 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Both. But you can't deny they sucked. Even against Korea, Vieri missing all those easy chances, Del Piero was no where to be seen. Gattuso making his stupid little runs to the goal. Maldini was the only player putting his guts on the line. It just wasn't an Italian game if you ask me. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

The Italian team of 2006 will walk over Korea 92 times out of hundred.

It wasn't the best Italian performance, but they should have gone through. Wrongly disallowed goals, penalties not given, unfair sendings off.. I would have said it was just unlucky Italy, but when it happened to Spain too, FIX! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Tennie]

zd, your 'oh come on' post was directly after dst's post saying that the #5 should have been retired. That's why people think you're dissing on Billy.

[Rossoneri7]

I said we can't because we didn't! I say we will because there's a good chance that it will hapen. I even said #22 is not an important number in any club. it's different from #9 or #5. the fact that new players pick #22 is Kaka. he made it famous!

Yes he made it famous. But If they didn't freeze Costacurta's number, why would they freeze Kaka's ?

Because Kaka' won the Ballon D'or ? World player of the year ? CL 07 ? .... Costacurta is one of the pillars of Milan's supremacy today! He has won as much as Paolo Maldini.

[Zed.D]

You are not a kid, Z ... Your an adult now ... So I am sure, you can tolerate other's views (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

You guys were talking about having the number frozen ..

Costacurta, has given much more to Milan than Kaka' ... Not discarding Kaka' ofcourse, for he is by far Milan's best player atm ... Costacurta is a legend to this generation, the one before it, the one before that, the one before that also, and for the one before that too .. Costacurta has been playing with Milan long before Silvio Berlusconi came to Milan. Costacurta was an integral part in the gli invinsibli era, he formed what was then known as the old guard (the best defense Europe even saw) .. And has won countless trophies. Hence, dst said if Milan didn't freeze Costacurta's number for the years of service, why should they freeze Kaka's number (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)   ... When he said that 'disgrace' it was when you asserted that Kaka' had done more etc etc ..

Pippo ? what has he got to do with this ? ... Well for the record, he wont get his number frozen! And Pippo is no where near Costacurta, Paolo or Baresi .. In terms of legendary status he is a legend, as is MVB, etc .. But he didn't give as much as Paolo, Costacurta or Baresi ... If there is one player (other than Maldini) on our current lineup worth freezing his number, it is Ambrosini (because of the years of service he has given, but even then he is no where near Costacurta or Maldini)!

p.s. Kaka', Pippo, etc these guys have written their names into Milan's history and ten or twenty years down the road, Milanista's will be talking about them ... But not in the same breath as they would for Costacurta, Baresi or Maldini (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

When did I say "Kaka has done more than Billy"?? answer my question right now!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Let me answer it myself because you have this habit of twisting topics and I don't want this silly discussion to go on any longer. this is what I said:

There are very few players who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

Is that saying Kaka has done more than Billy? I wasn't even thinking about Billy when I wrote this but what if that "very few" includes Billy too?

And am I talking bullsh1t about Kaka's contribution to Milan's success? do you need me to name them?


Don't ever put words in my mouth again.

[Tennie]

Okay, everyone. Cool down. Yes, this includes me too.

[kurtsimonw]

I haven't seen the best years of Costacurta since he'd started playing for Milan before I wa sborn, but alot of my Italian friends that're Milan fans don't actually rate him that highly. They consider him more of a "fans favourite" than a legend.

[Rossoneri7]

When did I say "Kaka has done more than Billy"?? answer my question right now!!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Let me answer it myself because you have this habit of twisting topics and I don't want this silly discussion to go on any longer. this is what I said:

There are very few players who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

Is that saying Kaka has done more than Billy? I wasn't even thinking about Billy when I wrote this but what if that "very few" includes Billy too?

And am I talking bullsh1t about Kaka's contribution to Milan's success? do you need me to name them?
Don't ever put words in my mouth again.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Bottom line .. Costacurta didn't get his shirt frozen. Kaka' doesn't deserve it.

[acid911]

It wasn't the best Italian performance, but they should have gone through. Wrongly disallowed goals, penalties not given, unfair sendings off.. I would have said it was just unlucky Italy, but when it happened to Spain too, FIX!

It was undeniably a fix. That pot smoking referee in the Italy vs Korea game. But it also wasn't the Men In Blue's best performance either. They could have slotted in at least three goals, and then no power on earth could have fixed it. Korea was and is a middle of the road team. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Come to think of it, they weren't playing to their potential earlier. Just got into the knockout stage after that wonder goal from Piero. Very un-Italian like, I'd say. They had one of the best squads in the World Cup ever. Maldini, Nesta, Cannavaro, Totti, Vieri, Del Piero, Buffon, Toldo, Zambarotta, Gattuso. Oh, my! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

PLEASE TELL ME WHEN DID I COMPARE HIM TO BILLY? WHEN???????????

I meant "you" as a generalization. It could very well be interchanged with "one". (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I haven't seen the best years of Costacurta since he'd started playing for Milan before I wa sborn, but alot of my Italian friends that're Milan fans don't actually rate him that highly. They consider him more of a "fans favourite" than a legend.

True, he wasn't as much a pure talent as Paolo. But he was very dedicated to the club, and from some of the matches I've seen, gave his all every time. Tell me one defender who won't be overshadowed by Paolo at his peak? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Okay, everyone. Cool down. Yes, this includes me too.

+144545154574513. This is a Flamini thread after all, and if this is the sign of things to come, God have mercy on us. Hehe. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Zed.D]

Yes he made it famous. But If they didn't freeze Costacurta's number, why would they freeze Kaka's ?

Because Kaka' won the Ballon D'or ? World player of the year ? CL 07 ? .... Costacurta is one of the pillars of Milan's supremacy today! He has won as much as Paolo Maldini.

It's just my opinion. I didn't make anyone accept it!

Even if Kaka hasn't done 1/100th of what Billy has [which is not true imo], should we say it's a disgrace his name is mentioned next to Billy's?! what are you defending?

[Zed.D]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Bottom line .. Costacurta didn't get his shirt frozen. Kaka' doesn't deserve it.

There's not one bit of sense it what you say. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) let's just stop it.

[Rossoneri7]

There's not one bit of sense it what you say.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) let's just stop it.

Whatever you say chief.

[Tennie]

Soo..........Flamini is French.

Will Porty be able to bear it, having a Frenchman on the team? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Will Raymond Domenech ever call Flamini up again, given his aversion to calling up French players who play for Italian clubs?

Inquiring fish dolls want to know! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[m1ke]

should we say it's a disgrace his name is mentioned next to Billy's?!

Maybe 'disgrace' was a bit of a strong word (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Kaka is already a legend in my eyes, but let's not discuss retiring a 26 year old's jersey when people like Billy have played for Milan for almost as long as Kaka has been alive.

Regardless, Kaka is on the right path. Let's review this thread in around 8 years time (v3 anyone? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) )

[whoarethepatriot...]

I'd put Inzaghi second behind Ambro, but then again that's just me. Gila is a very strong, physical player (when he's in the mood), with a very decent header. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Inzaghi seems more effective in the air because of his positioning, but Gila is still better overall in the air.

There was a point last season where all (or most) of his goals were aieral

[acid911]

Inzaghi seems more effective in the air because of his positioning, but Gila is still better overall in the air.

There was a point last season where all (or most) of his goals were aieral

Yeah, could very well be. He's 6-2, while Pippo only crosses 5-11. So he's got a fair height advantage. Plus, he's physically stronger too. But no two words about it, these three have got the best heads. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Ambro is still the king of headers, though.

[KillerMax]

From now on, posts that don't relate to Flamini(directly or indirectly) in this thread, will get deleted.

[dst]

I'll criticise anyone if they deserve it, if Maldini puts in a bad performance, it's no different than if Dida does, he deserves the same criticism.

Thats the right attitude. People for some reason think that certain players are immune from criticism, that is not the case. Praise when necessary criticise when required. We cant just turn a blind eye for sentimentaility.

Flamini is a good player and you two will rot in hell for what you said!

Is this alright Max!??

This post has been edited by dst: May 6 2008, 07:36 PM

[morgoth]

In a way, yes, it is strange. Thing is, Massimo has had a horrible time with injury. I think this is the first season in a very long time that he hasn't (touch wood) been out for an extended period on injury. And while he sometimes tackles just as well as Paul Scholes does (no offense to either intended), I think Max is having a very good campaign. He's absolutely adored by the couple of people I know who have season tickets, who credit him for having more heart than anyone else on the team.

Actually it's the second (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Sometimes I think the word legend gets thrown around too often! I mean to be called a legend you have to prove your undying love for a particular club. Paolo, Baresi, and Billy are the only three who deserve the tag. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Case in point: Rui Costa. He's as big a legend as any for Benfica - despite playing the best part of his career in Italy. It's his love that took him back there to spend the last few years in front of his home fans. He's as adored there as Paolo is in Milan.

Kaka will snug in an all-time Milan XI with ease. Give him some time to be called a legend. He's one in the making. And if he spends another six, ten years donning the Red and Black, no one can deny him the status. Look at Sheva, he made one bad call and not many people call him a legend. So is Inzaghi. Irrespective of all the million dollar goals he's scored for us, he's still a far cry from being called a legend. He's one of our best performing players of all time, nonetheless, but a legend? No thank you.

A legend is someone like Batistuta - how many medals and trophies he missed by staying loyal to Fiorentina? You can't count them if you tried. He could have sleepwalked into the top 3 clubs of that time, but he spent seven years there. Ditto for Rui Costa, who after spending five years was sold to us because of financial troubles at Viola. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Respect the word LEGEND. It's not something you see often.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[u]
Costacurta was an integral part in the gli invinsibli era, he formed what was then known as the old guard (the best defense Europe even saw) ..

You probably mean the World (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I'd put Inzaghi second behind Ambro, but then again that's just me. Gila is a very strong, physical player (when he's in the mood), with a very decent header. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I think Gila is stronger than both Pippo and Max in the air

Come to think of it, they weren't playing to their potential earlier. Just got into the knockout stage after that wonder goal from Piero. Very un-Italian like, I'd say. They had one of the best squads in the World Cup ever. Maldini, Nesta, Cannavaro, Totti, Vieri, Del Piero, Buffon, Toldo, Zambarotta, Gattuso. Oh, my! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Actually it's a very Italian way (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) they always have a bad (average) start and reach the final

Will Raymond Domenech ever call Flamini up again, given his aversion to calling up French players who play for Italian clubs?

Partially true. Actually the creep hates Italians (especially since the WC final) and doesn't like the players who play in a foreign leagues (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) but it doesn't mean he will not call them, half of the French players play in a foreign league, and the creep doesn't like changes at all. His main problem is that he's revengeful, you better not have an argument with him or tell him he's clueless or bye bye selection (Giuly, Pires, and ... Frey) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[whoarethepatriot...]

Actually it's the second  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)
You probably mean the World (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
I think Gila is stronger than both Pippo and Max in the air
Actually it's a very Italian way (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) they always have a bad (average) start and reach the final
Partially true. Actually the creep hates Italians (especially since the WC final) and doesn't like the players who play in a foreign leagues (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) but it doesn't mean he will not call them, half of the French players play in a foreign league, and the creep doesn't like changes at all. His main problem is that he's revengeful, you better not have an argument with him or tell him he's clueless or bye bye selection (Giuly, Pires, and ... Frey) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I would say he dislikes Serie A more than anything. Frey (but to be fair he played poorly in his last match vs Ukraine) Mexes, Trez etc

Flamini has very little chance of making the national sqaud. He like EPL, but thats only because half the France squad is located there

[acid911]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siI_4IYBink

Thanks, nuh. I've only seen some of his goals, but the video showed him in better light. Wonder why they've nicked him Gattuso? He's a cross between Gattuso and Pirlo. Can makes passes and score goals, as well as dictating the midfield. Hope he fits into the team fast.

About his appearance, well he looks, um, French! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Zed.D]

" Flattuso " (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[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.

[Tennie]

(IMG:http://i25.tinypic.com/259wv2x.jpg)

Flamini & Cesc at Flamini's farewell party. Milan's new Frenchman is already getting into the right mindset: he's wearing Dolce & Gabbana (note the DG on his shirt). (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[Darunia]

Is that Hleb in the background? Hope he doesn't have a farewell party anytime soon!