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.)
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| 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.
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| 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”