“Raduno” is the
Italian word for “rally.” More specifically the first time the players return
to Milanello for the beginning of a new season. For this season, that happens
today. With the changes in the squad being so on point so far this summer,
there is a new air of optimism amongst fans. For the first time in at least
three years, it feels like we are actually starting a new season, beginning
anew. Too bad those spoiled political brats of the Curva Sud might miss out on
it, having made a statement that they will not participate as usual prior to
Galliani making it rain. I mean it’s not like fans should show up for a rally
for their team to kick off the season or anything. Whatever. For the rest of
us, this raduno represents hope and
healing, a renewal of faith in the team we have not been able to quit these
past few years. Benvenuto.
Declining the invitation this year will be the "fans" of the Curva Sud. Their loss. |
The players who have been on international duty are not
required to be back for another week, including some of our newest signings.
But still I expect a lot of positive energy. Renewed faith from more than just
the fans, but also those from the team who are returning. A lot of excitement
from the players as it will be their first chance to win over the new coach, as
well as fans who come to watch the training, which is traditionally open.There
are a number of Primavera players who will be training with the first team and
likely traveling with them, too, for the upcoming friendlies, again hoping to
impress and maybe receive callups, if not now, then later in the season.
There will be a press conference in the morning, at 10:30am
CEST, in which Mihajlovic will be presented and he will have a chance to
address the press. You can view it live on youtube.com/acmilan
and it is often posted the same day, usually with a translation into English,
too. The players train at 18:00 CEST, and there will be pictures and video
clips of them meeting with the fans and showing up for training, and possibly
even training, so feel free to add those kinds of things in the comment section
for all of us to enjoy. I am also posting a squad update below since there are
so many changes just since Monday
morning. If you want a sense of renewal and to be motivated to join the
rally, just compare both lists. Hopefully the day’s festivities will reward our
newfound sense of optimism and will also be a starting point from which we
never look back. Except for Bonera and Muntari. They can sit together at the
bar and reflect all they want on their time at Milan. The rest of us are going
to move forward now. Forza Milan!
Zaccardo is rolling out the welcome wagon, it's a service to the people of the world. |
Squad Update:
New Players:
Ely
Verdi
Bertolacci
Pessina (will likely play for Primavera)
Luiz Adriano
Bacca
Already in squad:
Lopez
Abbiati ** renewed through 2016
Agazzi
Abate ** renewed through 2019
Antonelli
Albertazzi
Alex
De Sciglio
Paletta
Zaccardo
Zapata
Bonaventura
De Jong ** renewed through 2018
Montolivo
Poli
Nocerino (loan with Parma is up)
Suso
Cerci
El Shaarawy
Honda
Mastour
Menez
Matri (loan with Juventus is up)
Niang (loan with Genoa is up) ** renewed until 2019
Petagna (loan with Vicenza is up)
Currently on loan
(but owned by Milan):
Gabriel (loan to Carpi renewed until 2016) ** renewed until
2018
Out:
Bocchetti (loan over – back to Spartak Moscow)
Destro (loan over – back to Roma)
Birsa (bought by
Chievo)
Essien (to Panathanaikos as a free agent)
Saponara (loan to Empoli w/right of redemption)
Robinho (contract mutually rescinded)
Bonera (contract expired)
Mexes (contract expired)
Muntari (contract mutually rescinded)
Pazzini (contract expired)
Didac Vila (contract expired)
Van Ginkel (loan over – back to Chelsea
Rami (sold to Sevilla)
This list does not
include Milan youth players given contracts or on loan/going on loan
This post inspired by the music of
the Beastie Boys “You Gotta Fight For Your Right to Party”