It is Thanksgiving here in the United States, a time of
showing gratitude for the things that we have. This tradition comes from a
group of people who were grateful to have their lives, shelter, and a bounteous
harvest, even if many of them had more before immigrating to America, and many
of them lost family and friends on their journey. In that perspective, we can
look at Milan and the things we are grateful for with more humility and
gratitude.
 |
| So much gratitude in one pic |
I am thankful for…
• Maldini – he gave up his privileged life, family
and spare time to come back to Milan and rebuild the club and bring it into the
21st century. Because literally, as a second-generation Milan captain who won
everything at the club, no one knows Milan better than him. He believed in the project enough to give up
the life he had worked for, and put himself in the eye of the storm. Because he
loves Milan that much. And so do I.
• Boban – he gave up a retired player’s dream job at
FIFA where he was instrumental in getting VAR in place and so many other
things. He came back to Milan to fight for the rebuilding and bringing it back
to greatness, just like he famously
fought the riot police at the beginning of the Yugoslav Wars, to
protect the supporters of his club. It is that passion and dedication that he
has shown these past five months already that makes me grateful he chose to
return to Milan.
 |
| Thank you for every brilliant save, too |
• Gigio Donnarumma – being crowned Italy’s Golden Boy
this week, ahead of so many talented outfield players who were nominated,
should make me grateful enough that he is on our team. But it is his lifelong love
for the crest, his willingness to stay at a club that gives new meaning to the
word implode, even when fans threatened to kill he and his family and more. His
talent is even more immense than he is, and his work ethic, leadership, and
passion for Milan are inspiring.
• The Squad – some of them have been through five
years and three owners of Milan. Some are new. All of them signed on with the
idea that Milan was going to return to Champions League greatness right away. They
are primarily young, but not getting any younger, meanwhile the team seems to
get further away from the goal with time. But they still take the pitch every
time, despite abuse
from their own fans, and they sweat blood for this shirt. And for that
alone, they have my respect. I am grateful that they are not like the players
at other clubs who are primadonnas, make trouble, or leave because they didn’t
get what they wanted. They are here, they fight every week, and I am very
grateful for that.
 |
| So grateful for these guys |
Actually, when I think about it, amidst all of the emotional,
financial, managerial, and ownership hardships we have endured, I have a lot to
be thankful for. So at least for today, I’ll express my gratitude. And then it
will be on to Parma.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
This post inspired by the music of
Oingo Boingo’s “Gratitude”
Our next match is
Serie A Week 14
Parma vs. Milan
Sunday, December 1
• 15:00 CET (9am EST)