Chapter 61 Parting
Chapter 61 Parting
After withstood AC Milan's three-axes, Fiorentina's offensive gradually picked up again. Although Costacurta's appearance awakened the fighting spirit of the Milan players in a short period of time, when they were unable to attack for a long time, this momentum The son gradually vented out.
Ancelotti was sitting on the coaching bench, and his mind was in chaos. Although he didn't say it clearly when Costacurta was replaced, everyone knew that he was planning to give up the game.
As for the Champions League qualification, Ancelotti believes that the team has a solution. There are examples of Real Madrid and Liverpool before. UEFA will never let AC Milan, the defending champion of the Champions League, miss it.
The game time is passing by every minute and every second, and it is coming to an end. The stands of San Siro have also become quiet, and the fans have nothing to think about the game. The reason why they haven't left the field early is just to Farewell to Costacurta.
Of course, there is also Albertini. Although Albertini is now wearing the purple and gold shirt of Florence, they all know that Albertini's heart has always been in AC Milan.
For loyal ministers, the fans will always give tolerance.
In the 85th minute of the game, Costacurta's chance came. Kaka broke into the penalty area and was hit by Kompany. The referee directly awarded a penalty kick.
At this time, Pirlo, Seedorf, and Kaka were all on the field, but when the football was placed on the penalty spot, they all backed away, and Costacurta was pushed to the front. for him.
Costacurta did not refuse. He knew the importance of this game. Although the game was coming to an end, if the ball could be scored, AC Milan would still have a chance. ?? Stadium Maniac 61
Ancelotti was also excited once in a while. He was a little anxious, and some words got stuck in his throat. He hesitated a few times, but still swallowed them back.
He didn't want Costacurta to take this crucial penalty kick, but at this time, no matter how hard-hearted he was, he couldn't tell.
Run up, kick up, shoot!
It's done overnight!
In his career, Costacurta, who has only contributed two goals for Milan, kicked the ball into Frey's goal very calmly.
The originally quiet stands suddenly became boiling, and people were cheering. They were not only for Kos Costacurta, but also for the team. They saw hope again.
As long as Milan can get a draw at home, they will qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
It's a pity that their hope lasted only a short two minutes. Degan received a cross from Abate in the penalty area, beat Nesta and scored with a header.
It was another cooperation between the two former Milan players, which completely killed the hope of AC Milan's counterattack.
When Degan scored, Costacurta stood aside and saw the goal was pierced for the third time, and his face was full of disappointment.
When the game was coming to an end, Fiorentina was still attacking, and the football was passed back and forth under the feet of the Fiorentina players. Although the Milan players were also fighting, the momentum on them seemed more like they were dealing with errands.
Albertini's through ball was directly passed to Digan's feet. Digan pulled the ball and turned around, and was about to break forward when suddenly a leg quickly crossed in front of him. Digan hesitated and was about to move. , but when he saw that person clearly, he deliberately "exposed" a flaw, and the football was directly removed from the sideline.
Immediately after the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game, the San Siro Stadium, which had been quiet for nearly half an hour, suddenly burst into cheers, and people were chanting a person's name.
Costa Curta!
Degan looked at the old Billy who was standing beside him, supporting his body, and suddenly smiled: "It's a wonderful tackle!"?? Stadium Maniac 61
Costacurta was taken aback, looked at Digan with strange eyes, and his face was a little gloomy: "Don't lie in front of me, I know you can hide just now, why did you let me on purpose, you are pitying me The old guy?"
Based on Costacurta's many years of field experience, how could he fail to see that Degan was deliberately letting him have a decent ending, but as a player, his self-esteem did not allow him to accept such a handout.
Although it was seen through, Digan didn't take it seriously: "I don't have the habit of pitying others, but I also feel tired. I think I should say congratulations. You have a very brilliant career. I am very envious. Even a little jealous!"
Degan is indeed jealous. Being able to play for the same team throughout his twenty-year career is not only a symbol of loyalty, but it represents far more than a definition of loyalty.
Seeing Digan turn around to leave, Costacurta lowered his head with a smile on his lips: "Anyway, thank you!"
At this time, the fans in the San Siro stands had already stood up, they were cheering, applauding, and calling Costacurta's name.
When Costacurta walked into the stadium and looked around and saw the whole San Siro applauding for him, he realized that this was the right time for him to choose to leave. His eyes intertwined with the smiles of Ancelotti and Tassotti on the coach's bench, and the cheers of Maldini on the sidelines sounded clearly in his ears.
That is his old friend. When he entered the first team, the two have been fighting side by side. After so many years, they have experienced glory and trough together. Now it is time to say goodbye.
Costacurta looked at Albertini again, that is also his old friend. When Albertini left, he also felt very sorry, but there is no way, this is professional football.
"Billy!" Albertini walked up to Costacurta and offered his hand.
Costacurta smiled and clasped his hands tightly with Albertini: "Demy! Congratulations, this is a great victory!"
Costacurta and Albertini exchanged a few words, then walked to the sidelines, applauded the surrounding fans, and then looked at the teammates who crowded over, he saw Grimi, Borriello, When Bonera, Gourcuff and other young people in their 20s, the smiles of Basten, Gullit, Baresi and Sacchi appeared in their minds.
That was an era in Milan, an era in Italian football, and now Billy Sr. will leave silently with the memories and the right to speak of that era.
All that remained was a simple sentence as an explanation: "I really can't run anymore."
Maldini said it well, whenever a player like Costacurta retires, he will feel that his soul and body are missing. Why don't fans feel this way?
Fortunately, there is more happiness than sadness. Although they endured a defeat at San Siro this night, because of Costacurta and Albertini, tears have already been drowned in the ocean of joy.
Although the game was lost, Costacurta has no regrets to be able to say goodbye to his career in an official game, and he is even more gratified that the fans have given him courtesy.
In this farewell battle, the climax came three times. It was the first time that Costacurta took Maldini's captain's armband and walked into the stadium. There was a capital "m" in the upper right corner of his jersey chest. There are three meanings, the first letter of his mother's name Margherita, the first letter of his wife's name Martina, and the first letter of his lifelong team Milan.
In this game, Costacurta's family also came. His wife Martina Colombari was sitting in the stands holding their son Aguile. Aguile was wearing a Milan red and black jersey with himself written on the back. name achille.
The second climax came from his penalty kick. After scoring the third goal in his 27-year career, Billy, who was not a penalty shooter, naturally walked 12 yards in front of the goal and pushed the inside of his right foot to the left. , Fiorentina goalkeeper Frey made a misjudgment, and the audience cheered thunderously, but Costacurta strolled towards the bottom line in an unusually calm manner, lowered his head in thought, and only showed a little when his teammates came flooding in. smile.
Now that the game is over, all Milan players put on No. 5 Milan jerseys with Costacurta's name printed on them, and entered the field to celebrate together, setting off the third climax of this farewell match. Teammates worked together Throwing old Billy high into the sky, this star named Billy entered the history of Milan players.
Immediately afterwards, the management of the Milan club also walked into the stadium, hugging and celebrating with Costacurta. When Galliani handed it over, Costacurta, who had always been very calm, couldn't help but have sour eyes. Calm down. After a while, he began to say quietly: "This is a beautiful day, thank you to the club, my teammates and my family. I am honored to be part of Milan and connected to such a deep degree. I like this feeling of integration. "
It can be said that Alessandro Costacurta is definitely a representative of Italian football defensive culture. His brilliant career almost coincides with the period when Berlusconi was in charge of Milan. The establishment, decline and revival of dynasties in every detail.
Except for one season on loan to Monza in the 1986/87 season, Alessandro Costacurta dedicated his entire football life to Milan. He is also one of the symbols of Milan's loyal spirit.
As a central defender, Alessandro Costacurta's physical condition is very ordinary, and his turning speed has been criticized for many years. Facing various types of forwards, Costacurta has maintained a high level for a long time purely relying on his superb defensive skills. It can be said that Costacurta itself is a textbook of defensive techniques, which condenses the defensive awareness accumulated in Italian football for decades.
The golden period of Costacurta's career was concentrated in the stage of the Milan dynasty created by Sacchi and Capello. The defense line he formed with Baresi, Maldini and Tassotti was not only invincible in the club, but also transplanted to the national team Also unbreakable, Costacurta won almost all championships during this period.
But starting from the Toyota Cup in 1994, Costacurta began to decline. In the game against Sarsfield, Costacurta first fouled and gave the opponent a penalty, and then made a mistake in the return, which caused the team to concede another goal. Received a red card and was sent off. Milan, which lost 0:2, missed the Toyota Cup for the second consecutive year.
With the retirement of a group of veterans such as Baresi, Costacurta fell into a trough together with Milan. He lacked leadership qualities and was constantly accused of making mistakes. Only his belief in loyalty to Milan has never changed.
After the end of the 01/02 season, Costacurta, whose contract expired, announced the end of his 17-year career. Just as he was preparing to go to the American Major League for gold, the Milan club recalled the 36-year-old Costacurta at the end of August to give the team a reassurance before Nesta's transfer.
The love affair with the sexy actress Colombari gave Costacurta a "second spring". He played the role of substitute with peace of mind and enjoyed the last happiness of his career.
Whenever Nesta or Maldini is injured, Costacurta can always stand up and play the game with all his heart and responsibility. In the 2003 Toyota Cup, Costacurta replaced the injured Nesta and partnered with Maldini. His almost perfect performance washed away the shame of 10 years ago. Unfortunately, Costacurta missed a free throw in the penalty shootout. Milan lost to Boca Juniors continued the regret of the Toyota Cup.
Costacurta can be called a miracle of AC Milan and even Italian football. In the 1980s, he worked with Baresi, Maldini, Tassotti and others to create the team's "reinforced concrete defense line", helping the Red The Black Legion has won all the championship honors that can be obtained, such as the Serie A, Champions League, Toyota Cup, Italian Cup and even the Super Cup.
Born in 1966, Costacurta seems to be a Milanese by nature. After joining Milan in the 1985/86 season, Costacurta spent the rest of his time at San Siro except for a short loan to Monza for one season in 1986.
In the 1986/87 season, he represented the AC Milan senior team for the first time in the cup match. On October 25, 1987, he ushered in his first league appearance. It has been nearly 20 years since then.
In 20 years, Costacurta played 455 games in Serie A, 73 games in the Coppa Italia, 6 games in the Italian Super Cup, and 116 European matches. As a defender, he left three precious goals for the Rossoneri. He wrote a touching poem that moved the fans. The selfless applause given to him by the fans is the best reward for his contribution to the team.
Now Costacurta is 41 years old, no one in Serie A can match him, he can be called a perfect "living fossil". Up to now, Costacurta has included almost all the championship honors that can be obtained, including 7 Serie A titles, 5 Champions League titles, 5 European Super Cups, 5 Italian Super Cups, 1 Italian Cup and 2 Toyota Cups. cup.
Although he is no longer the main force of the team's first team, Costacurta's identity is more like a training partner, but as long as he has the opportunity to appear on the court wearing Milan's jersey, he will always show people that he is a team player. The best Billy ever.
"I'm looking forward to what's next in my life, I was sad when I thought it was my last game at San Siro, but it's something I'm proud of because I've dedicated my career For this great team."
The 41-year-old Costacurta can be regarded as one of the oldest active players in world football. In fact, two years ago, he had thought of retiring. Takuta himself has a wish, which is to take his son to the San Siro Stadium to bid farewell to the fans when he retires. This wish motivates him to always sign the "last year" contract after each season. After all, time is not forgiving. In the Coppa Italia match against Rome, Costacurta performed poorly. Two mistakes led to two goals and he was replaced at halftime, which eventually forced him to make up his mind to retire.
Costacurta is now a "living fossil" that holds many records: he has served the Rossoneri for nearly 24 years, which is unique in Milan's century-old history; , he created the record for the oldest player to participate in the Champions League.
In addition to his brilliant resume at the club, between 1991 and 1998, Costacurta also played 59 times on behalf of the Italian national team and won the 1994 World Cup runner-up.
With the retirement of Costacurta, only Maldini is still active in the game among the players who created the Milan dynasty in the past. This also means the start of AC Milan's defense line. After all, 39-year-old Maldini, 41-year-old Costacurta, and 36-year-old Cafu are no longer competent for the guarding duties of Milan's defense line.
A defeat, the last start, Costacurta said goodbye with a smile, Gattuso squatted down in front of him, hugged Uncle Billy's waist, the beast in the Milan midfield became as fragile as a child . Yes, there is always sadness in saying goodbye, although he will stay, like Tassotti.
Since 1987, Costacurta has witnessed the glory of the dynasty with Milan, but also has his own loss and hesitation, especially with the retirement of Baresi, Uncle Billy, who has declined in condition, has suffered countless accusations. Once the impenetrable defense line collapsed, people poured their dissatisfaction on him, a man who was accused of lacking leadership skills.
But his steadiness and tenacity have long been forgotten. Maybe everyone has forgotten that he was also a part of the steel defense. After all, he is not a ostentatious man.
If Baresi's general style comes from the invincible dream dynasty, then Maldini's kingly spirit may contain the innate generosity. By their side, Costacurta and Tower Like Soti, they are willing to hide in the shadows and complete their mission calmly.
Maybe when others talk about it, they won't praise their credit, but no one can deny their unyielding, a player like Costacurta, who is still galloping on the court at the age of 41, is worthy of respect no matter what .
Unlike the horse team's metaphor for Milan, Uncle Billy still steadfastly waits for Neilo. Maybe people blamed him for not being able to reverse the decline in the predicament. Maybe when the victory came, people only saw the light of the cavalry, but the ups and downs of the tide could not shake Costacurta's loyalty. Not to mention the heartache of betraying Milan, so silently, just following Milan is enough, even on the last part of the road, still playing the role of substitute with peace of mind.
Milan has a tradition of loyalty, just like the inheritance between Cesar and Paulo. When ** gradually became flat under Ancelotti's conservatism, only Maldini and Costacurta were so loyal. The figure of Milan can feel the blood "sex" of Milan is still there, the feeling of warmth is still there, and it is still the most distinctive Milan.
After hanging up his boots, Costacurta will work with Tassotti to continue his life as Milan coach. I believe he will become an excellent coach, because his empathy will make every player respect and respect him. I like it, but his calmness and his calmness will make both him and Milan more energetic. A team that aims at the championship may need such a little calmness and restraint.
When feeling sad for Costacurta's departure, Milan fans did not forget Albertini, the same fighter, and compared with Costacurta, everyone in Milan has a heart for him full of debts.
Now everything is over, and there is no need for people to pursue the past. After Costacurta finished speaking, he and Maldini walked towards Albertini.
The fans in the stands once again applauded. A player who played for other teams and retired at San Siro can enjoy such treatment. No one else on this planet can do it except Albertini.
Degan and other Fiorentina players did not leave immediately because of Albertini's relationship, but gathered on the sidelines and watched Albertini take over the microphone.
Unlike Costacurta, who is used to silence, Albertini's feelings are much richer. Thinking of the glory and frustration in AC Milan, and imagining the years of drifting outside, every time he meets AC Milan, the pain in his heart , Albertini couldn't help shedding heroic tears.
"Thank you very much, I am proud to have been able to play for this great club. Although for some reasons, I have left San Siro since the summer of 2002, my heart has always been with this great club. It's time to really say goodbye. Every day in Milan, I will miss it deeply. I will not resent anyone. During the days of playing for Milan, everyone I met deserves my gratitude. Once again Say thank you, thank you for walking with me for so many years!"
After all, he is no longer a Milan player. Albertini's farewell speech was very concise, and then the big screen at the scene showed the wonderful performances of Costacurta and Albertini during their time in Milan.
When all this was going on, Fiorentina coach Prandelli and Degan came together. They are two outsiders. Today's farewell ceremony has nothing to do with them, if it has anything to do with it , the two of them were considered to be Albertini's relatives and friends.
When the people of Milan were all sad because of the parting, the two of them were extraordinarily calm. This season is over. For Fiorentina, who suffered a heavy blow at the beginning of the season, their season was considered a success, and now everything is over When it is over, they will inevitably face a new problem.
Not what to do next season!
It's about qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Although Fiorentina won this game, if they really think that AC Milan has resigned, as the defending champion of the UEFA Champions League, they are willing to participate in the UEFA Cup next season, then they are too naive .
Berlusconi has never been a person who plays by the rules. When the phone call broke out, even the Ranieri family was not spared, but he survived abruptly, not only succeeded in keeping AC Milan in Serie A , also retained their Champions League qualification.
Who knows, will Berlusconi do this again this time, if we are not allowed to participate in the UEFA Champions League, we will not broadcast the Serie A. This kind of shameless thing, Berlusconi will definitely do it.
Moreover, this matter not only involves the interests of AC Milan, but also the face of UEFA. Even the defending champion will not be able to participate in the UEFA Champions League next season. What does this mean? Does it mean the level of the UEFA Champions League It's not as high as Serie A, so what's the point of hosting the Champions League.
On the one hand, there are the bosses of European football, and on the other hand, the European powerhouses. Their interests and face are in danger. Whose interests will be sacrificed at that time. After all, isn't Florence the one who is unlucky?
"Do you think that will happen?" Prandelli couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Degan said with a smile: "Berlusconi can do anything, and we must prevent him from tearing his face. It's better for the coach to inform Mr. Della Valle, so as not to I was caught off guard and suffered from that old fox!"
"What do you think we should do?"
Degan looked at Costacurta and Albertini who were circling the stadium to pay tribute to the Milan fans: "Fiorentina can't live without the Champions League. We don't do Zaragoza, we do Everton."
At the beginning, after Real Madrid won the Champions League, they suddenly found that the league was over and they were only ranked fifth, so they began to put pressure on the Spanish Football Association. Zaragoza was doing work, and as a result Zaragoza's players had worked hard for a year, and the Champions League seats they finally got could only be taken away by Real Madrid because they took the overall situation into consideration.
Zaragoza admitted it, but Everton denied it. After Liverpool killed AC Milan on the night of Istanbul, they were also unable to participate in the UEFA Champions League next season because of their low ranking in the league. The FA also moved Thinking, I hope Everton can give up the qualification, but the Everton people are tough, they would rather quit the Premier League, and definitely not let the Champions League seats.
Although things haven't officially started yet, in fact Florence is about to start making choices.
However, according to Digan's temper, if he wants to make him bow his head, I'm afraid it will be extremely difficult.