Grazie Massimo Ambrosini: A tribute to a glorious eighteen years at AC Milan

I am sure it was not a painless decision to make – at a managerial level- but I had an idea what was going to happen.”

He joined Fiorentina on a free transfer once his contract with Milan expired but his last press conference had a hint of bitterness but he still was very thankful to the club and its fans.

During his farewell, he held back his tears while giving his speech. This is what he had to say:

“I wanted to say thank you to everybody. It is not easy because I’m moved by the occasion. I’ve waited a couple of days before speaking because if I’d spoken as soon as I found out about the club’s decision, I might have said things in the heat of the moment. That wouldn’t have been right.

“I want to thank everybody starting with the president and Galliani and Braida (Sporting Director) for 18 wonderful years; 18 years I will never be able to forget.I wanted to wait a few days, to allow the sense of disappointment to recede slightly, which I think is totally justifiable.My thanks extend to all those people who are not in the limelight, the people who work behind the scenes, who in my opinion are the true strength behind Milan – like those at Milanello (Milan’s training headquarters) who have been like a family to me.

“I don’t do Facebook or Twitter, but I’ve felt all the affection shown by the Rossoneri supporters and I thank them here and now, because it’s the only way I can speak to everybody while I am still a Milan player. A huge thank you to all the fans, because 18 years is a long time…. and once again I thank the club, because being with Milan has allowed me to play in magnificent stadiums, to play with great teammates and to be captain of this great team.

“The disappointment I might be feeling now cannot be stronger than the joy and happiness of a person who thinks of himself as one of the lucky ones. I am happy to have achieved what I have achieved.

“I gave everything for this team and I got just as much back, but I have no intention to ask for a farewell match. I always respected the club’s policies. Next time I speak, I’ll no longer be a Milan player. It is not my place to say whether it was the right decision or not, but it can’t go down as a shocking decision seeing as I am 36.

“I’d have preferred it if the decision had been communicated with more care, but I’m here to thank everybody and say goodbye to the people who helped me become a Milan player, my last thought goes to them.”

A gracious goodbye from a true leader, whose loyalty and commitment will be much missed.

Due to his recurring knee troubles, he couldn’t cement his place in the Italian national team. He only managed 35 caps for his national side and was a part of the Italian squad at the 2000 Summer Olympics and at UEFA Euro 2000 where Italy lost to France in the final.

He got one more shot when he was called up for 2008 EURO after putting in some battling displays for his club side, but it ended in disappointment. He couldn’t win any silverware with the national team.

In a generation of technically-gifted Milan players, Ambrosini’s primary currency was his attitude and work rate. A currency made all the more valuable by its relative rarity. Stupidity could not have elevated Ambrosini from emerging midfielder to one of the finest central midfielders in Italy, intelligence and an instinctive awareness of danger did.

He always stayed away from the limelight, purely focusing on his football and dedicating himself to his career and family.

The dogged midfielder had immense potential as a youngster and perhaps a series of injuries held him back but what he won with Milan was much more than trophies, he won the hearts of millions of fans.

Ambrosini may not have lit the world but his determination and his love for the badge could not be questioned. He always gave his best when he put on the Milan jersey. No amount of money can buy that for you.

It is indeed the end of an era for the Rossoneri as they focus on replacing experienced talent with young ability in a bid to return to the helm. Ambrosini played a huge role in what Milan achieved in the previous decade and no one can take it away for him.

Loyalty is a rare trait and it is time to give up the ideology that loyalty is still around. Players are all too quick to kiss the badge on their chest and proclaim their undying love to the team they are playing for, all for them to then jump ship when an influx in wages is waved in front of their face.

At times like these, Ambro stayed true to his jersey and the badge he kissed and we all should be thankful to him for showing such loyalty to our beloved club.

He may be a Fiorentina player now but he will always be in our hearts.

His presence, tackles and most importantly, his leadership qualities will be missed.

This is not just an article; this is an un-ebbed flow of thoughts of a passionate Rossoneri fan, for someone who has represented that Milan spirit since forever.

Grazie Captaino!!