A Farewell to the Legends

Just over a year ago now, Milan said goodbye to so many players, including i Senatori. But in the final days of the mercato this summer, we lost some players who will forever live in Milan lore as true legends of the Rossoneri. So much so that any one of them could have won the Bidone d’Oro (“Golden Trashcan”) award multiple times, except that they weren’t necessarily on the pitch enough to prove their worth. As difficult as it was to say goodbye to them, I found it more difficult to find a fitting tribute to them. So I used poetic license, and I hope that I have been able to do their careers at Milan justice. (Kleenex optional.)

Epic

Ode to Kevin Prince Boateng

Oh, Boateng

Your Scudetto dancing capped a brilliant season

But your erratic shooting since

Left holes in our scoresheet and in the ozone layer.

You stole the number 10,

But you couldn’t steal our hearts.

You’re an ambassador against racism

And a Prince of bad haircuts.

Immense

Ode to Luca Antonini

Oh, Antonini

The forgotten bandiera

Always cheerful, though the fans were not as happy

To see you on the pitch

You were always so classy

And the perfect father

But your crossing and defensive efforts

Left a facepalm on our memories.

Powerful

Ode to Bakaye Traoré *

Oh, Traoré

Your one goal at AFCON

Brought you to Milan

You’ve made Mali so proud

Too bad Milanisti didn’t see it.

Your preseason efforts

Were almost as memorable

As that time when Niang drove your car.

*As of this writing, Traoré has not officially signed with Turkish club Kayseri Erciyesspor, so there is still some hope that he could remain with Milan. (Fingers crossed)

In all seriousness, I would like to publicly thank these players for their positive contributions to Milan, on and off the pitch, no matter how small. Regardless of how or why they have left, I wish them happiness and success in their future endeavors. Grazie Leggende.

This post inspired by the music of Oingo Boingo’s “Gratitude”