Thursday, July 3, 2014

Grazie di tutto, Kaká.

When we heard the news that Kaká was coming back to Milan, we couldn't believe that one of our all-time favorite players was returning home where he should be, in the red and black jersey. The moment he stepped onto the pitch, flashbacks filled our heads, flashbacks from when he patrolled the midfield with such poise and grace. Although it wasn't the greatest of seasons for Milan this year (Milanisti would agree), there were bright spots. We got to see a legend grace the pitch one more time. Kaká scored his 100th goal in his Milan career on January 7th, 2014 vs Atalanta. He would later on finish the match with a brace.

  As we watched the matches on TV at home or with other fellow Milanisti at Legends (Bar in New York City), we couldn't help but notice exactly how many Kaká #22 jerseys there were. It was truly amazing. That showed the love and respect that we as Milan fans have for Kaká.

   I'm sure we have all heard by now that Kaká has agreed to a move to Orlando City SC and will be loaned out to São Paulo FC in Brazil, where it all started. Upon his arrival in Orlando, Florida, the airport was flooded with fans in support of Kaká. It was absolutely astounding to see how much love and support he has, especially in the United States where soccer is not nearly as popular as it is abroad.

We truly are happy for Kaká to go back to Brazil where his soccer career began so that São Paulo fans can get one more chance to see him and his brilliance. We are also very excited for the Orlando City fans because they can see what a great player and class act Kaká truly is.

In closing, Kaká is starting a new chapter in his career with Orlando City after his loan spell with São Paulo comes to an end. São Paulo supporters get to enjoy Kaká and say "our boy is returning home." Orlando City fans see Kaká as "We get to see a legend play in the United States." However, for the Milanisti, we see Kaká as the model soccer player that kids look up to. Not only on the pitch, but off. He will always be remembered in our hearts as the man who wore the number #22 on his back and more importantly, the Milan crest on the front.

Good luck Kaká on the rest of your career. We love you...


Grazie di tutto, Kaká.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Alex and Menez already in. Is Rami next?

Earlier this month, Brazilian international and former PSG defender Alex joined Milan on a free transfer after his contract expired with the Parisian club. The 31 year old arrives to Milan looking to add to his trophy case after winning the Ligue 1 title the past few seasons. The move is beginning to grow on us as Alex has been a solid contributor to Chelsea and most recently PSG. Alex gives Milan a formidable central defender who was given the nickname "The Tank." A big-bodied, physical defender like Alex who will hopefully partner up alongside Adil Rami next season in Inzaghi's starting squad, could be a key addition to an otherwise lackluster defensive unit for Milan.

In addition to Alex joining, his former teammate has decided to make the move with him. The French winger Menez has also joined Milan on a free transfer from PSG. The 27 year old arrives to Milan where he hopes to somewhat revive his career, similar to what Adel Taarabt did when he arrived at the San Siro on loan last Janaury. Jeremy Menez, winger, joins Milan as perhaps a reinforcement in the event Taarabt does not return. Taarabt and Milan are currently negotiating a permanent move for the Moroccan. However, the fee appears to be too much for Galliani's liking so the move is something that should be monitored throughout the next month. Menez has ability but sometimes he appears lazy and not motivated. Sounds familiar to Taarabt right? With free transfers, the risk in taking in such players as Menez is minimal with the exception of the player's wages under the contract agreement.Alex isn't the player I'm worried about, its Menez but I was wrong about Taarabt so hopefully I'm wrong here too about Menez.

With Galliani getting an early start on the rebuilding process for next season after bringing in Alex and Menez, is Rami next? Rami had a tremendous loan spell with Milan after joining in January from Valencia. His buyout option is €7mil and if Galliani wants to retain Rami, that would have to be matched unless of course Galliani doesn't want to come across with that money and decides to renegotiate the terms of the move. According to several sources, Galliani appears to be sitting around €3.5-4mil for Rami which would be an absolute steal for Milan given the scarcity of quality central defenders available on the market. Keep in mind, David Luiz moved to PSG with a record breaking fee of around €48mil so securing Rami for about 1/12th of that fee would be huge for Milan given their unwillingness to spend. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Seedorf out, Inzaghi in

Clarence Seedorf has been relieved of his managerial duties just 5 months into his coaching career as Milan replace one former player with another, Pippo Inzaghi. Inzaghi was named as the new Milan manager this week when it was made official by the club. Inzaghi's contract will be a two year deal with an annual salary of €700.000. 

The news angered many Milan fans as the ongoing fight to keep Seedorf on for next season came up short. Milan will continue to pay Seedorf the remainder of his wages. But of course, Seedorf wasn't fired with class by Milan, according to some reports.

News came out earlier this week that Galliani and the Berlusconi's fired Seedorf via e-mail and failed to provide a "thank you" for Clarence's services.  Additionally, it was also reported that Seedorf was dismissed from the club's Hall of Fame, according to the official web page of the club.

First, if the news about Seedorf being fired from an e-mail is confirmed, Milan will have lost a ton of respect from fans. Second, a simple "thank you" would have sufficed. The class act retired from a game he loved with all his heart just to manage a club free falling. Third, to remove Seedorf from anything Milan-related speaks volumes about how disrespectful management truly is. But should we be surprised by the way they treated Seedorf, a legend of the club? They did the same to Ambrosini when he departed from Milan for Fiorentina as well as Maldini. 

Now that the Seedorf saga has officially ended, it's time to welcome in another novice manager (at least at the first team level) in Filippo Inzaghi. Inzaghi managed the Primavera side last year and has always been a candidate to manage Milan. However, it comes at time where the club is not in a major European tournament and when the club is no longer a dangerous side. Inzaghi comes into Milan in similar fashion to how Seedorf took over and one thing is certain, it won't be easy. 

Inzaghi will surely shake up the squad and the tactics for next season. Some players will be added and some will be sold in order to suit Pippo's game plan. With Alex and Menez already confirmed, it appears Inzaghi will be asked to field a squad that has a minimal amount of money pumped into it. Both Alex and Menez arrived on free transfers as their contracts expired with PSG. Rami and Taarabt's loan deals are still being negotiated by Milan as they look to retain them for....wait a minute....cheap. 

One manager out and another in. We welcome Super Pippo with open arms and we hope he can bring Milan back to being a major European side. Forza Milan. 

Monday, June 2, 2014

Milan: A Club Being Destroyed By Management

According to several reports this past week, Milan Primavera manager Fillipo Inzaghi is set to take over the managerial role for Milan, replacing Clarence Seedorf.  It has not been confirmed but it appears to be made official once Seedorf's severance package can be agreed upon.

This move is negative in the eyes of  many Milan fans as they want Seedorf to be given a fair trial. A legend of the club and one who hung up his boots to serve Milan when they were in turmoil this past January deserves a lot better. Because Seedorf doesn't obey every direction sent from upper management, he is being pointed to the door. They want a puppet but Clarence shouldn't be treated like one. What hurts is that it forces us to root against Pippo becoming a manager. We adore Inzaghi and appreciate what he has given to Milan. However, we don't want him to take over the managerial role at Milan because a club legend like Seedorf simply deserves a fair chance to prove himself.

Many have expressed their concern for a lack of direction and have become irritated with the treatment of club legends like Maldini, Ambrosini and now Seedorf. As a result, a social media revolt has erupted and many have made it clear that they will not attend the upcoming ICC matches this summer as well as refraining from purchasing club merchandise for next season.

As owners of the Milan Brothers Twitter and Instagram accounts, we have decided to not attend the International Champions Cup match this summer at Citi Field between Milan and Olympiacos. In addition, we will not purchase any more kits if Mario Balotelli, Mattia De Sciglio or Stephan El Shaarawy are sold this summer. This is a legitimate stance against management and what they are doing to a club that once dominated the soccer world. If you agree with us and will support our stance against the current direction of the club, please spread the word.


Thank you for your continuous support of our account.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Who is Hachim Mastour and is he ready for first-team football?

Hachim Mastour Player Profile:
Date of Birth: June 15, 1998 (15 years old)
Place of Birth: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Nationality: Italy
Height: 175cm
Weight: 63kg
Position(s): FWD, CAM
Squad Number: 98

Hachim Mastour is an Italian-Moroccan player, who was called up to the first team May 13, 2014   but did not get into Milan's final match of the season v Sassuolo despite speculation that he would become the youngest player ever to play for Milan at age 15, surpassing the great Paolo Maldini who debuted at age 16.

Milan acquired Mastour back in the summer of 2012 at the age of 14 for €500,000. According to Goal.com, Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City were among the clubs Milan had to battle to obtain the wonder kid prodigy. Shockingly, Milan beat out many elite clubs to get Mastour in their system which is exciting for Milan fans everywhere.

Less than two years since arriving to Milan, Mastour was called up to the first team in a move that shocked everyone as he is still a very raw talent. His skill and ability is off the charts and his potential is sky high but is Hachim Mastour ready to play first tier, top flight football in Italy for Milan? Let's break it down.

Mastour, aged 15, can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger, two positions Milan have a handful of. Mastour would have to battle El Shaarawy, Kaka, Honda, Robinho, Saponara, Cristante and Taarabt, if he stays, in order to get minutes for Milan. Being as he is an extremely raw talent who hasn't played more than two matches with Inzaghi's Primavera side (U-20), its hard to imagine he would make an immediate impact for Milan regardless of who manages the club next season. Sure, we have all seen the Youtube clips of his brilliance with the ball at his feet, his pitch awareness to attack and juggling drills with Neymar. However, he is making a drastic leap from Allievi Nazionali (U-16) to top-flight European football and at a time where Milan is no longer the powerhouse side they once were.

The bottom line is that while Hachim Mastour has incredible ability, will sell tickets and can generate excitement for Milan fans, he should not be playing for the first team next season. Mastour needs at least one, maybe two full seasons with the Primavera before being called up. This is El Shaarawy, Cristante and Saponara's time. Mastour will get his chance with Milan sooner rather than later but let's not push this kid too soon. He is very important to the future of Milan and he shouldn't be rushed. Hachim Mastour, we are very excited to have you at Milan and we look forward to having you be a huge star for the Rossoneri for years to come. Forza Hachi!


References:
Goal.com

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Io Sto Con Seedorf

"Io Sto Con Seedorf" has been the battle cry for many Milan fans across Twitter thanks in large part to AC Milan Club NY/NJ (@ACMilanNYC) , who have not been afraid to speak out about how Seedorf has been treated by Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani. Seedorf, a former Milan legend, replaced Massimiliano Allegri this past January as manager of Milan. Finally, the Milan fans were granted their wish. A new manager with a fresh start and mind. What we didn't wish for would come just a few months after he took over.

Clarence Seedorf's job is in question when, if you ask 99% of Milanisti,  it shouldn't be given the little time he has spent with the club. Clarence, once favorited by Silvio and company, has been betrayed by the club he has given so much to, particularly when he announced his retirement from his playing career to aid a Milan team in need. Seedorf has managed just over 20 matches in all competitions for Milan and out of those matches, he has a win percentage around .500. For a first time manager and one who hasn't even been a manager for 6 months, I'd say that's impressive. 10 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses in Serie A apparently isn't good enough for the first time manager of a club who has invested virtually no money into a renovation of the squad.

We all know and are aware of the treatment our beloved manager is receiving from management. Many of us have documented our support for Clarence as the right man moving forward but as loyal fans, we can only do so much. We will continue to protest against this harsh treatment and we will continue to rally around Seedorf because he deserves a fair chance to be a success with the team he loves deeply. This is a call to action. A call to all Milan fans and calcio supporters, who feel this lack of respect to a world class gentleman is wrong, to be heard. Our club can't and won't return to European elite status with a management who has no direction for the club. This isn't acceptable and you can count on us being heard.




     "IO STO CON SEEDORF"

Friday, April 18, 2014

A.C. Mi-loan: How Rami and Taarabt have impacted Milan

Loans, loans, loans. If Milan had a club dictionary, the word would be in bold. Galliani is known, as of late, for being a "picker." The players other clubs don't want or need become Galliani's treasure. A club not sitting on a pile of cash needs these moves to work simply because the big time talents demand money Milan simply don't have (or do they?)

Two players that have made the most of their loan moves to Milan are Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt. Both players have been practically full-time starters for Seedorf since their arrival this past winter. But why have they had success? Here's why.

Let's start with Adil Rami. The 28 year old French international arrived on loan from Valencia after having a fallout with the club. The center back has been a rock for Milan ever since he arrived, having been a dominant defender while scoring a few key goals as well. A posing presence and one who is good in the air on set-pieces,  Rami has easily been the best center back on the squad. Milan's defensive issues have been well documented for months but he has been a positive. Seedorf will continue to pencil in Rami as a starter for the remainder of the season.

As for Taarabt, where do I begin. Like many of the Milan supporters, I had my doubts about Taarabt's arrival, having heard many negative comments about his attitude, work ethic and ability to be a team player. However, he has silenced the critics by providing flare that has been lacking from Milan especially since El Shaarawy has been sidelined for months. Having played mostly as a left-midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 24 year old Moroccan has shown skill, technique and drive. He has also scored 3 goals for Milan, which has been another positive. He will continue to get the nod from Seedorf as his confidence is high.

But of course, can Milan retain Rami, Taarabt or both permanently when their loan moves expire this June? Rami's buy-back option is €7mil but Milan want to secure his services for €4mil. Taarabt's agent, according to a Goal.com article , has stated that the player will most likely seal a permanent move to Milan for around €4mil. Barring any snags in the negotiations, expect Galliani to keep Taarabt here for the mentioned fee. As for Rami, its a bit more complicated. The player has stated his intent to stay at Milan but agreeing on a fee to keep him here could get tricky. His performance has many clubs watching, one reportedly being Manchester United, who will lose Vidic this summer to Inter.

Rami and Taarabt have expressed their desire to stay at Milan and the Rossoneri want them back. As we draw closer to the end of the season, we should learn more about each player's place at Milan.