Albertini!
 

What would you say for him to return back to Milan?he's had a rather sad time since joining Lazio you could say.I know he would'nt get much of a game and we're quite covered in that area.But he still has a bit to offer at almost 33 years of age.

He's been a much bigger name than a player for years.

There's no doubt in my mind Milan made the right decision about Deme two years ago.

This would be nostalgy that would sicken me to to death.

If he decided to finish his career and play a role in the Milan managment, be it as a scout or whatever (see: Leo, Tassotti, Baresi, Massaro etc)... I would be very happy to welcome him back at Milan. After all, he is a rossoneri legend.

However, as a player he has very little if not nothing to offer anymore at Milan and we should really focus to think about the future instead of swimming in nostalgy.

Everyone forget about Demi, played with an injured feet for several matches for the sake of helping Milan to clinch a CL spot two years ago(which we then became champion with that CL spot)

What did Demi get in return?
An worsened injury on his feet made him unavailable for the WC 02
Then being exiled by Galliani and Carlo to Madrid, then Rome.


Why do this to him…?We even tolerate Pippo or Kaladze for such horrible season, why only demi, a milan legend already, being treated like that?

I still remember clearly his brace against Barca, IMO he’s still the perfect understudy of Pirlo, and with him Pirlo can only grow better and quicker…
you know, now nando is gone and andrea will head for Athens...who knows Dhorasso?;)


But we all know, the rivalry between Carlo and Demi
And the determination of Galliani to reduce the power of the old guards…
IT HURTS:depress:

It was his own choice.

That only shows his love towards the club…

And
I’m sure everyone of you(including me) thought that Billy was a crap when we nearly shipped him to USA two seasons ago? And many of us even protested the coming back of him?(at that moment we still hadn’t signed Nesta hence many thought Billy was the only signing at the back…)

I would never cast a single doubt on Demi to be a Pirlo’s back up, for those who think that he’s a name more than a player, compare Billy three years ago and Demi last season, Demi was fresher by a hundred miles.

Demi with one leg is better than Brocchi any day.;)

Every player can have an unlucky season. As for Deme, he'd played below par for years.

It's very useful to have the experienced players who've tried everything, but a few years ago we were in a position where too many of our players lived on their names rather than their contribution (Rossi, Albertini, Boban), a renewal was clearly a necessity, yet still keeping a hold of who's considered irreplaceable from the old guard turned out to be a brilliant move.

The further developments and result obviously proved the management right. It's no use having too many players that rank highly in the hierarchy but don't show their value on the field.

Like Psycho, I'd welcome Deme to return and play a role in the management, but please, don't even suggest to bring him back as a player. It'd be a nonsensical move on Milan's part.

Well, Brocchi has never complained about being left on the bench.

On the other hand, who can forget when Deme cried his eyes out to the journalists after Ancelotti had left him on the bench for one match against Juve.

Again, Deme was transferred not because he didn't have the quality to stay as a reserve, but because every signal he'd sent indicated that he thought too much of himself to accect a minor role in the team. Better do your best to avoid destructive dissatisfaction inside the dressing room.

I know what you mean, but Boban was far away from what you said about him. He was still our key player in his last season, his injuries that season let us down but not his performances…he was old doesn’t mean that he was living on his reputation only…


If albertini sits on lazio’s bench, I see no point why he won’t accept a bench role here. As I stated before, Nando is gone and buying a bench player for several millions is insane. There is a ready made candidate here but people reject him just because he played here.???;)

I wonder if we are linked to Davids(31) or Cocu(33) or Markele(31) by those websites, many would say, ‘hey, if he comes free then why not? I would welcome him with open arms in case he accepts to lower his wage…………blablalbal………….look at cafu pancaro blablabla…………….’

Just because he’s Albetini, he represents the past…??? So who’s P.Maldini or A.Costacurta anyway? They also had terrible seasons before that CL trophy.


I see the only reason why Demi can’t come back is Gallian+Carlo’s objection. Even a 33 years old winger, who is ineffective and taking huge wage, is allowed to stay ...
and the departing Nando is 35, spent three years here recuperating, and hardly played last season at all which directly expose the problem of not having a proper back up for Pirlo...as we are not going to risk trying Donadel or Donati there(they are already being loaned out), why not giving the old guard one more chance, and let him finish his career here?

I wonder signing back a squad player in Lazio of 33 years old could be that nonsense to you…providing that he didnt play that bad in his last two seasons. He can be a perfect understudy and MENTOR of Pirlo here…it's nightmare to see Brocchi or any average guys trying to fill in Pirlo's role when he's in Athens...I remember Brocchi playing there, trust me, that idea sux...

Of course it is. Looks like Milan are being run by reasonable people. :eek:

Boban and Albertini in their late years at Milan, didn't have the mentality nor the physical capabilities to fight for major trophies; something that requires consistency, so, as a Milan fan I see no reason to complain about the decision to clear out a bit, renew the squad. In fact I'd rather applaud it.

Milan have made quite some sentimental moves in the past, but still remains, Milanello ain’t Greenland and Zio Fester, despite some resemblance, is not Santa. ;)

P.S. Pirlo doesn’t need Albertini as his mentor.

1. We got Dhorasoo for free.

2. Maldini never had a under par season, he was great even when our team was at their worst. but one player can not do it alone.

3. At the present point it is Pirlo that have more to teach Albertini than the other way around. But we wouldn't even get Albertini for free, otherwise he would have been a acceptable reserve to Pirlo.

4. Brocchi would never be Pirlos sub, that is a certain and I can't see why you would ever mention it.

@Elephant King
I'm not going to argue with you over the matter but I just want to tell you that Milan have lifted 4 trophies in two years under the current management situation. These people, this coach think in their own unique way and do as their minds tell them. They may have been unfair to some players, they may have done mistakes, thay may have been not so effective in this renewal of the team as they could be, but they have made the team WIN! And this was really necessary after all those years of depression.

I partly agree with you over Albertini, but I can't overlook the fact that last years squad was the best we have witnessed for many years. And not only do they keep them all, but also try to strengthen the team. In conclusion, it might be unfair for Albertini to be ignored, but have faith. There are millions of Milan fans around the worls and not anyone can agree with the management's moves. Just surrender and watch the team. If they win again, noone can say anything!

That's my humble opinion.

@everyone who knows
Has Pippo Pancaro returned to Lazio? Or have we signed him permanently?
Because if he returns, shouldn't we look for a left back? Even for a backup, if we suppose Kaladze is a starter the new year...

This is a tough one to call in all honesty and fairness.

I agree with those who claim that Deme could still play a role as a reserve as he's still got the class, vision and experience to help our young players like Pirlo or Kaka. He can still provide leadership and his will to fight till the end for the team and colours of his heart even tough he may not have the same stamina nor endurance of his hey days which made him the best in the world in his role for over a decade.

As to him coming back and play a role in the Milan management, that would be something that I would welcome and be delighted with. As Galliani said, Il Milan, ai Milanisti! (Milan in the hands of the Milanisti). And there are few bigger and more loyal and faithful Milanisti than Albertini. :star:

The other day, I read on Il Corriere della Sera (Milano based daily paper) and on Il Giornale, (Roma based daily paper) that Albertini could be back to Milan next season. As to what kind of role, whether as a player or in the management, it was not specified. However, all in all, I do not believe him coming back. Not because of him as he would even come by feet from Roma, but because as long as Ancelotti's there in Milan, there are virtually no chance of seeing Deme back in Milan. Sad but true...:o

Cheers.;)

Sorry Payman, it's a Milano based paper ;)

Whats the whole story of Carlo and Deme not liking each other? Sicne when? How come? Why?

And then - if N1 reason for Deme not coming back as a player is Carletto; then its even less likely he wil come back as part of the management! ... Unless, they send him to Seria C2 or Brazil to look for players and write Memos, that no one will ever read ...

Bono,
It's a very long and old story. I'll do my best to give you a summary of it. Presidente, feel free to corret and or complete my a answer. :)

Why Ancelotti and Albertini CANNOT stand each other:

1) A young and promising Albertini was the one to take spot of an ageing Ancelotti's spot in the Sacchi Milan team and later in the Italian team.
This caused a jealousy remord feeling for Carletto which he had in him until he found the best way to take revenge and that happened when he was appointed coach of Milan. As soon as Albertini had his first bad game, he was benched and never given a fair chance again. Then with the help and assistance of Zio Fester, Carletto definitely got rid of Deme by having him sent on loan to Atletico and then to Lazio.

That's my understanding of the things. Of course, there may be other reasons/factors/motives etc that I may not be aware of them. So Presidente, anything to add or to correct?

Cheers.;)

:embarass:

Thanks Presidente...I meant Milano...:tongue:

Cheers.;)

Hey Bono,
You just described my DREAM Job!!!!:star: Scouting all over Brasil for some real talent for Milan!!!:cool: :lick: :star:

Cheers.;)

I simply think that Demetrio was not performing like back in the old days, and did not feel like becomming a bench regular. May be simple but that's what I believe. The choice was between Ambrosini and Albertini as Gattuso, Pirlo and Seedorf are our starters. In two years we've won a Scudo and a CL and fristraded our cousins ;) Demetrio will never bee forgotten, but "Who wins is always right" harsh but true :stuckup:

Or for Inter within the "Operazioni Bidoni" ;)

:D

But I'd still take this scouting job for Milan in Brasil over any other any given day!!!:stuckup::lick: :star:

Cheers.;)

An undercover agent is very valuable, I say you should reconsider :stuckup:

Ok, here's what I suggest Presidente:

I'd do my dues in this boring and dirty job at Appiano Gentile in constant, never ending commitment to constantly increase the quality of their moto every single day in their goal to reach the excellence in this long dreamed and sought for promised land of Operazioni Bidoni. :):jester:

Then once I"ve done my dues there and achieved success there and gathered the necessary skills and experience, I'd ask to be promoted to this Scouting Job in Brasil. I'd gladly take you with me Presidente as my right hand to scout this wonderful country, extraordinarly filled with tremendous talent!!:star::lick:

What do you think my friend?:)

Cheers.;)

Demetrio on the 16th title from the official site on July 09th:

ALBERTINI: 'Il sedicesimo scudetto? Merito di tutti'
09 luglio 2004 14:43


MILANO - In una puntata speciale de 'Il Tormentone' si è ripercorsa l'annata del sedicesimo scudetto attraverso immagini, testimonianze e voci dei protagonisti rossoneri.
Il primo ad intervenire in collegamento è stato Demetrio Albertini: 'Ricordo sempre con piacere la stagione 1998-1999. Credo che i meriti di quello scudetto siano da ripartire tra tutti, tra i giocatori in cerca di riscatto dopo due annate negative, la società che ha sempre mostrato la via per una squadra vincente, l'entusiasmo per la classifica. Abbiamo disputato un girone di ritorno straordinario. Tutto questo è stato possibile anche grazie al pubblico, che aveva capito che c'era in atto una ricostruzione e ci ha sempre appoggiato'.
E alla fine, dopo sette vittorie consecutive nelle ultime sette giornate del campionato, il Milan ha trionfato. Quanto ha sentito suo questo scudetto Demetrio, il quinto con il Milan? Il centrocampista ha risposto così: 'Tanto, tantissimo. La stagione precedente era stata particolare, il gruppo storico era stato criticato, ma Zaccheroni ci ha ridato fiducia'.

FORZA DEME!!!!:star:

Cheers.;)

:thmbup: Couldn't agree with you more.

Albertini being sent away wasn't surprising, it was logical and had to be done. Sorry Payman but it's simply incorrect to say that "as soon as Albertini had his first bad game, he was benched and never given a fair chance again." You should know as a close follower that Deme had not delivered anything close to the standards he had set for himself years earlier.

Btw. Deme most certainly was not "the best in the world in his role for over a decade". Please, Deme was/is a great Milanista, but this isn't being realistic about the man's ability.

Why do some people insist in reducing Milan to a simplistic cartoon movie. This is a professional football club and in my mind Deme wasn't sent away because of some infantile rivalry. I, personally, had been expecting him to leave for a while, based on his performances, and realistically the guy got even more chances than he would have deserved.

Oh my.... the old and boring discussion about Deme...

What disappoint me is to read what some of you wrote about him... thats really sad.

Albertini and Milan is a closed chapter... and I dont think that he will come back to Milan not even as a manager.


:dielaugh: :dielaugh: :dielaugh: :dielaugh: :rollani:

At the beginning of 03/04 season, Galliani said on ACMILAN.COM that this season (03/04 )would be Redondo's season, which was applauded by Carletto. Both of them used Redondo as a reason selling Deme. What a season for Redondo....

Next time try a bit hard to come out some more "intelligent" bull sh!t than this. God knows who is making the club like a "simplistic cartoon movie".... :rolleyes:

I’m very sorry dear aim, but I see things from the club’s perspective. The transfer made a lot of sense to me, so I don’t have any reasons to buy into the theory that casts doubt on Carletto’s impartiality. It all looks a lot more like healthy coaching/club management to me.

But aim, didn’t they say every year that: “this will be Redondo’s year”, “Redondo is our new big signing” etc. bs? You have to remember, Nando at that time would be impossible to offload, he’d not yet fully recovered and if I’m correct didn’t even receive his salaries yet. All you can do in a situation like that is give your full support and keep your fingers crossed. If it was between Nando and Deme to leave, there would be only one solution. Pirlo, Gattuso and Ambro (and Seedorf, who arrived the same summer) were considered the future and Albertini had become somewhat superfluous. That’s where the story ends to me. :)

When I started watching Milan there were 3 big men in our squad, Maldini, Costacurta and Albertini. 2 of them are still here playing their hearts out for the team, the other one is gone! I think there must be a simple reason behind this: He wasn't delivering the goods (as CM says!) Milan's midfield has been reinforced much more than our defence and this guy had to fight with more players for a spot! His time came and he was not able for this any more! So he left! I go with Laudrup, it's that simple for me!
I think if we had signed 4 world class defenders the past 4 years this would be the same situation with Costacurta and even Maldini. The club's choices have been succesful, yeah that's all that counts!

Steven7, we can’t judege players from CM. And to say Albertini didn’t play with his heart like paolo/billy is … :mad:

And I agree most of you that, in reality, Demi will never return, yes I believe the rivalry thing, even gentlemen like Silvio Belusconi and Gianni Rivera can had such a row so it’s easy to understand carlo and demi…which had much more direct competitions.

We won’t see him in Milan shirts ever again, but what I wanted to say is that Albertini should have been a perfect replacement for Redondo…and believe me in the CL triumph season Brocchi did play in Pirlo's position twice. And we should all remember our last season’s success was based on a constantly healthy Pirlo…what if he’s tired/injured next season? dhorasso? Ambro is a good DM but not a ball distributor at all.


And give me a break, some of you label me as someone who’s against Pirlo/seedorf/gattuso and support albertini/boban/giunti. NO! I am the one who is 100% delighted with the current midfield, I reckon that it's probably even better than that with Gullit and Danadoni

What I was suggesting is that Demi is and should be an excellent understudy and MENTOR(you like it or not, it’s true) for Andrea Pirlo. Nothing more, nothing less.
He and Emre are the ones I'd love to see in next season's Milan....bench! yes, we LACK covers for seedorf/gattuso/pirlo. Ambro is the only classy subsitute but his style is different.


And don’t’ forget Demi had to play with Giunti and a raw gattuso and an always injured boban, I’m sure you can’t expect him to shine with these average partners. In case he deputy Pirlo(either injured, suspended or injured, Demi's partners would be kaka, seedorf, an improved gattuso, also namely stam/nesta and a rejuvenated maldini at his back.
That's the difference.




All in all, he can definitely still be useful for us, but he won’t be back. Albertini-4-ever is correct, it’s a closed chapter. Sorry to argue with you and waste your time again(BTW it's Shummy who started this thread not me). I was just too sad and furious to hear others to describe him like trash and says he deserved the exile. It’s BS.

Whatever ALBERTINI 4ever said is accurate, holy truth, and gracely said

Tyge,
Some of the things you've said need a little clarification. First, I do agree that at the time that Deme was offloaded, he was not unfortunately delivering at his best. Lack of form, recovering from injuries are a big part of footballers. Everyone of them goes through this stage, even the very best of them. Let us just say that in Deme's case, he was not given a the same chances as others in the same situation. For this argument, I'll stop here...

Onto the next topic: Deme not being the best in his position for over a decade. Maybe I was a bit carried away with that decade thing, but in all honestly and fairness, for a good part of the 90, let us say from 93 to 99, he was the dominant figure of not only Milan but also Italia's midfield and THE man who best impersonificated this position. Who were his main rival for the title of best in the world in his position? Let us see: Bep Guardiola, whom I consider a true genius and one of the best and most mesmerizing players I've ever seen; SuperNando Redondo, same as above plus an amazing gentleman both on and off the field; Marcello Desailly, at least in Milan as he was the backbone in central midfield with precisely Demetrio Albertini of that Invincible Milan team. These are the main figures of that area. Did I miss anyone? I believe not...

Now let us make a quick comparaison of these players. Guardiola played in Cruyff's Dream Team the same role as Pirlo does for us, a deep playmaker in front of the defence and behind the midfield. His strengths were his vision and passing; main weakness, his defensive side and tackling were leaving a lot to be desired.

Redondo in his prime during the 90's was a fabulously sublime swan, a mesmerizing show, almost like a ballerina, for his breathe-taking class and elegance. The only one I've seen in my life with the same class and elegance is Zidane. He caresses the ball with the same attention, softness and delicatesse as one would caress a beautiful girl. :):tongue: Plus, Redondo had a genius mind in reading the game, great dribbling, pin-point passing and a born leader. His main weakness being his lack of pace and defensive side mainly in tackling.

Desailly was a pure nature's force, a pure brute force. A wall of muscles! He was unbeatable in one on ones and in tacklings. Tactically very astitute as he had received a very good formation first at Nantes and then in the hands of that old Belgian Guru of Raymond Goetals at Marseille and finally under Don Capello. Marcello was also very good in positionning and reading the game; his technical side was a bit more limited than the other ones mentioned.

Now Albertini. He may not have had the incredible facility of a Guardiola to dictate the tempo of a team; he may not have had the mesmerizing, almost ballerinesque technical abilities of The Prince Redondo nor the physical massive presence of a Desailly, but he had a bit of everyone of them. He could dictate the game, in fact he was the one setting the tone in Capello's team and Sacchi's Squadra Azzura, thus his nickname of Il Metronomo, the Metronome, the man who sets the tone in other words, or the regulator of circulation in midfield. He was able to deliver great passes when needed, I have lost count of how many goals were originated form one of his luminous through balls or free-kicks over the years for Milan. Defensively, he was running all over the field, almost as if he had 3 "pulmoni" never getting tired. A relentless worker, fighter, a lion, a leader, one that galvanizes the troops. His shooting abilities were feared as he had a deadly shot from distance and free-kicks.

Now onto how he could have helped the current Milan. We all agree and realize that he may not have been able to challenge for a starter spot and he himself admitted that and had no problem with coming from the bench. Why? not because of his ego but because he loves this club and bleeds rossonero like all of us in here. Now, how many games he could have played for us in the past 2 winning seasons? I reckon quite a handful of them due to the incredible amount of games to be played. Don't you think that we could have used a fresh pair of legs, more so if those legs ooze class, experience, leadership and a true Milanista spirit? Don't you think that the likes of Pirlo would have liked a rest? Don't you think that the likes of Pirlo would have liked a mentor like Albertini? I sure do think yes to all the above questions.

Now, you know what most annoyed me in all these 2 seasons? The fact that at times, we had to rely on a true Bidone like Brocchi or a finished player like Redondo while we could have utilised a very capable, at least for a few games a season, a very experienced and able player like Albertini. I'm sure that Albertini would have had no problem in accepting that role as long as he remained with the club and colours of his heart. :star:

Don't get me wrong about Redondo. :star: Redondo :star: has always been one of my all time favorite players. I personally have rarely admired a player as much as Redondo. If one were to ask me which one of these 2 I'd pick at their prime, I'd take Redondo because I always had a soft spot for the artists, those who make the ball dance, those who caress the ball like a flower or a like a beautiful girl, those who leave us with our jaws dropping in front of their magic. And Redondo was a magical player like rarely I've seen, always like dancing the most romantic tango with the ball at his feet. He was a true genius IMO. :star: A true Principe. :cool::proud:

BUT, but but...for Milan, I would have prefered a true Milanista like Albertini to be given more chance than a finished Redondo. To be given a fairer chance and be treated like a true Milanista that he is, not like some mercenary like Pigo. :groan:

Tyge,
Even tough from a pure efficiency outlook or aka an American outlook, looking at achievements, one can not deny that Milan did the right thing by offloading him since the events gave Milan reason seeing the silverware collected in these 2 seasons without him. Yes, stats can be crual at times. However, football is much more than just cold hard numbers and facts. Football is a much more complex and emotive sport. A man that dedicates his entire life to one team or one company warrants a better treatment, more flexibility and more chances than a new comer. This is not discrimination. It's respecting the dedication and commitement of someone towards an organisation. That's my greatest biff in all this. NOT the fact that he was dropped due to performances as all the players are dropped sooner or later.

I don't have much time these days to read all the posts/threads, so I'm just writing it all in one big post as to cover as many points as possible...:tongue:

Cheers.;)

Payman, thanks, it’s the best post :cool: ( about Albertini )that I have ever seen.
Touching, passionate but not biased. :thmbup:
Thank you. :) :heart:

Payman I have'nt been able to read all your post as yet but I've read enough to be touched already.For so many years deme was the rock of our Midfield an amazing Influence he was robbed by Injuries and rarely put in a bad game.I was pretty dissapointed when we just dispersed of him in such a way.

Wow, that's rather subdued. I expected a quote filled with :proud: smilies and words like Glorioso, Magnifico and references to Il Metrinomo. ;) :tongue:

It's all been said here. The Albertini of six years ago would have been a great addition, but to be honest I think the Pirlo of today is even better. Perhaps Pirlo is weaker in the tackle, but Albertini was never a tackler either, but Pirlo's passes from deep to the forwards are brilliant. Only one as good is Totti.

I think Deme would enjoy playing out his last couple of years rather than sitting them out on our bench. Like Redondo, he deserves better.

Albertini had not been up to the standard for some time, still having some moments of brilliancy but for the most part underperforming and being inconsistent. He was not willing to settle for a role of lesser importance, and so, just like Boban and Weah shortly before him, he had to go. A club of Milan's caliber cannot afford to let sentimentality shape the make up of the squad.

Agreed. At least they finally learned somethign after holding onto Baresi forever and bringing back and old Donadoni.

The last time we had Albertini, he consistently did little more than make harmless lateral passes. Sure we kept the ball, but so what?


It's always difficult respecting a talent enough to know when he has had his day and is now just tarnishing his achievements. Albertini isn't that far along into overstaying his worth in Serie A, but he is definitely not Il Mentrinomo anymore

It's a very touchy issue of course,Sentiment or Not what can you do?If you free a player then are you treating them badly because the attatchment to the club is so close or are you really doing the right thing by trying to move on.
we have to look at each case differently I think.

A pity we done that all to much, Simone, Donadoni and Gullit...

Guys,
It's one thing holding onto the legends and have them play as starters and a different one as reserves and as mentors to younger players...

Cheers.;)