Merci Infiniment, Olivier Giroud

Today marks the end of contract for several of our players. One in particular, however came in and broke the infamous number nine curse, which had stood for ten years, since Pippo Inzaghi retired. That person, of course, is the larger than life, yet always professional Olivier Giroud. After years of not having a proper target man up front, he came in and seamlessly became the goalscorer who helped us reach our first Scudetto in eleven years and excel in the Champions League. But he also helped defensively, did a lot off the ball, was a consummate professional and leader on and off the pitch, and even played in goal in a pinch. Words are not enough, but we can try to express our gratitude... Merci infiniment, Oli.

Saying goodbye to our curse-breaking number 9.

Mange tak, Simon Kjaer

Traditionally, Vikings are known as fierce warriors who laid siege to foreign places, raided their treasures, and colonized them. Times have changed, though. Milan have had a few Vikings in recent years, most notably Ibrahimović, who certainly laid seige to our opponents' goals. But our last Viking, the one his teammates literally named "il vichingo" ('the Viking' in Italian,) while unquestionably a fierce warrior, has been our protector for the last four and a half years. Of course, I am talking about Denmark's national team captain, Simon Kjaer. With his contract up this month, both he and the club decided it was time for him to say goodbye. After years of his strength, leadership, and relentless defending, the very least we could do would be to offer him our gratitude. Mange tak, Simon.

Words cannot express the gratitude for our last Viking.

In Appreciation of Abate's Army

With so many changes happening in the first team, we cannot forget that there are also big changes happening with our Milan Primavera, or U19 men's team. The ones I like to call "Abate's Army" happened to have what ended up being their final match of the Primavera 1 season kicking off just over two hours before the first team's final match. There were plenty of emotions going on there already, when a few minutes into that one, the news came through from Abate's press conference that he would also be leaving. Having managed the U16 team, then this Primavera side for two years, he was essential in creating one of the most successful youth sides we have had at Milan in years, with historic UEFA Youth League Semifinal and then Final matches, in back to back seasons. It just feels like no one is talking enough about this team, and especially the former Milan player who built it.

Abate has taken young players and prepared them for battle on and off the pitch.

Grazie, Mister: Recognition of Pioli's Milan

Goodbyes are so incredibly difficult. Stefano Pioli was at Milan for nearly five years, a very long time for a manager, so this one was definitely difficult. While some people were never welcoming, and many never recognized what he did for Milan, the animosity toward him grew in the final stage of his tenure and eventually led to his departure. It is bizarre to me that he basically met or exceeded the goals the club set for him, yet for so many, it was never enough. So in saying goodbye, I think it is also important that we offer some words in recognition of Pioli's Milan.

The man who never got the recognition he deserved.