[acid911]

And finally cometh the day, cometh the hour. Paolo's last match. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) And it's fitting that this will be the last match thread that I will open (dst fittingly opened the last home game thread). I just can't seem to get myself top open them when Maldini's not around anymore (nor will I change my signature from now on). Speaking of which I also opened the last match thread for the 19th match in first round against Fiorentina - which we won 1-0. Paolo was special there, and marked Gilardino out of the game. All I ask for is a repeat of some sorts, and one final win that will at least see us at 3rd, in a weird little season. Almost twenty five years back. I was born on the day Paolo player his first match for Milan - it feels like I'll die the day he plays his last.

For all I want to, I just can't seem to get myself to writing anything about probably the most important and historically significant match I'll ever watch. I'm just too numb. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif) All my heroes are gone, the Fantastic Five (Paolo, Ronaldo R99, Rui Costa, Baggio and Dida) have almost set in the west. It just feels like a room in my house has fallen, the bricks lying all around. Such is life, I guess. Such is football. Regrets, there have been a few. But whoever wrote the script of Paolo's career, did a pretty darn good job of it. Anyway, as I stand here in the twilight of Paolo's career, there are no tears in my eyes - I'm just glad to have witnessed the greatest player ever, play live. Years from now, I too, could say that I lived in the times of great defenders, the age of great champions, the Age of Maldini. All hail the King. The King of Kings! Goodbye My Captain, Grazie Mio Capitano! His final marching ground:

(IMG:http://i42.tinypic.com/59u904.jpg)

Stats will be posted as soon as they come out of the oven, popping hot. Wait for them.

Date: Sunday, 31 May, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm GMT
Place: Stadio Artemio Franchi (Florence)
Capacity: 47,282

Forza Milan! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) As usual. And Forza Maldini! As special. You'll live forever Paolo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif) All hail the Age of Maldini!

[Tennie]

So, I was at the game. Ended up with seats in the Maratona section of the stands, just opposite the Milan bench and on the second to last row. I was one of the first to know when it started raining partway through the first half. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) It WAS raining when I was walking to the stadium and saw the Milan bus arrive (camera was away so no pictures of that).

Fiorentina-Milan was the sort of game that Maldini SHOULD have gotten as his last game at the San Siro. Good game altogether, though I was surprised that at least one possible penalty (first half) against Gilardino wasn't called -- Rizzoli has a reputation for always favoring the home side.

I was stuck in the middle of a group of season ticket holders - middle aged husbands and wives, generally really nice people. What impressed me most about the game was the absolute class of the Fiorentian fans. Sure, some of those dignified ladies were swearing like sailors at some of the calls and saying naughty things now and then about some of the players (but never Malidni. it was Flamini they didn't like), but there were repeated ovations for Maldini from when he stepped onto the pitch to warm up to when he walked off at the end of the game. Maldini acknowledged the affection of the Viola fans but, unlike some of the other players, did NOT go over to salute the travelling support at the end of the game. Honestly can't say I blame him.

Not sure if it was reported anywhere but due to the tremendous affection shown by both Fiorentina supporters and the players, Maldini gave his jersey to the club president.

[MizNelson]

Maldini gave his jersey to the club president.

Very cool! I didn't know that.

I don't think it's the first time you've said something about old ladies swearing like sailors, but it cracks me up every time.