GUEST POST: Growing Up with AC Milan

Today I’m excited to present a very special guest writer from here in the United States. His name is Pierluca, and you can follow him on Twitter @Pierlucaaaa Please enjoy his piece that reminds us all what it is to truly be a Milan fan:

I am a 13 year-old Italian American. I am very proud to be Italian and extremely proud to be a Milan fan. I've been growing up a Milanista. My passion for the Rossoneri was born when my father and my godfather introduced me to the club. I really enjoy watching Milan games or reading about them with my dad, Pasquale.

I love watching videos about Milan either if it's on BeIN Sports, RAI International or even fan YouTube shows just so I can stay updated. I also read about Milan on Twitter or any website that has a piece on them. Naturally, I'm always ecstatic to wake up at the crack of dawn just to watch Milan.

Of course there are pros and cons with being a Milan fan. Honestly it's mostly pros but last year's front office inconsistencies and last year’s form was as disappointing as it was the previous year. Hopefully this year we can pick up some slack, which I'm hopeful we will.  

Other than that I love everything about the red and blacks. Being from the United States, you would think I would support an MLS team, but nope. I'm a one team guy with the exception of the Azzurri. My mom has become accustomed to my Milan obsession (no pun intended,) as the other day she informed me that I had a dentist appointment on Friday at 11:45. I responded "Dang it, mom". "Let me guess, a soccer game?" Nailed it mom.

I am really passionate about my favorite team and that reflects in my favorite players. Stephan El Shaarawy, Jack Bonaventura and Paolo Maldini are definitely up there with me. I love the fact that all three of them show loyalty to Milan just like I do. Even though El Shaarawy is gone I remember his 16 goal season when he was getting offers from everyone but still he wanted nothing more than to stay with his favorite club as a boy.  

My other favorite players are Dida, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli. I love Dida because he has always been an amazing goalkeeper plus we play the same position. With Mario and Zlatan I don't know what it is, but when I first saw Mario play for Manchester City I knew he was going to be one of my favorite players. I was overjoyed when he joined the first time and was sad when he left but I knew it was for the better. Now I'm glad he is back because I really think Mihajlovic will make him buckle down and he will work hard and hopefully regain form.

Thank you once again to Pierluca for sharing his Milan passion with us. And follow him on Twitter, too @Pierlucaaaa.

Now it’s your turn… please share with us in the comment section any or all of the following: When did you become a Milanista? Why did you become a Milanista? What crazy things do you do to support Milan? Who are your favorite all time Milan players?

Our next match is a friendly

Mantova vs. Milan

Thursday, September 3 • 19:00 CEST (1pm EDT)