The Rumour Commode XXXIV: From Mandela to Mugabe

[Samaldinho]

Meeh , its childish to think loyalty mean shit in a professional world like football.
I wanted Kaka , Pirlo & Sheva sold because its how i like my club to be run by selling players at the right time despite the fact we were silly rich back then.
I did dislike Pirlo but i loved both Kaka & Sheva but that didnt change the above opinion.
Loyalty is just a small addition to what the player can give a team , but never a decider.
Sheva & Kaka are Milan legends , period.
They gave us their all & we were able to sell them for profits when they are starting to decline.
Both bitching forced idiots like G&B to accept what was better for them , to sell.

Is this comment directed at me? Or just continuing the conversation?

I think footballers are worse than fans. They expect fans of their team to understand the limited window of their careers, to appreciate the dynamics of their profession, and yet, they want support from the fans, at the same time. When they score, they run to the fans. They use social media to leverage their image with the fans, to sell products. Their entire salaries are because of fans tuning in. There's no inherent reason why anyone should watch their sport.

They are worse than fans, if you think about it. They are exposed to the cynical nature of the business-side, the lack of glamor, the true nature of what it takes to get to this level, but they also want fans to love and understand them, and are confused when fans aren't fawning over them.

If I was an agent or a sporting director, I'd tell a player that loyalty pays off. It gives you more space with the fans, gives you more time in a team, gives you more room for error, more time if you get injured. There's a utility in loyalty, just as their is in the morality of paying your workers better (i.e. the Ford model) but that's a whole other notion. Loyalty is how you develop in a more harmonious environment. I think Theo gets that, and it seems that Leao does too--it's why reports say they are close to finishing contract negotiations. Loyalty is what allowed a player like Alexis to grow, and allowed Kjaer to show his potential. But they get it.

Players are worse than fans, because they seemingly forget how their salaries are so high, it's because of fans tuning in.

I think the mental and emotional aspects are bigger towards the success of a team than you are giving credit, and buying into something is what makes a team better. Regardless of how cynical you want to get about what does it mean to have a club, or what does it mean to be a professional, even if we went with the most cynical of takes, at the end of the day, this is a team game. The team cannot function without harmony. What's going to make you push a little harder, work a little more, track back, throw your body on the line, it comes from camaraderie and emotion. It doesn't matter if you're playing a pick up game or in the CL final, you need to create a team, and loyalty is a huge aspect of that.

I have no doubt that the players at PSG are all professional. But being a professional and doing your job doesn't mean your team will be a success, so, I think loyalty is a huge portion of it., honestly.

I don't think Pirlo gave us his all. I think he stopped after 2006, to be honest. That's around when he wanted to leave. What did he do after 2007? He gave us years of his light jogging, get the ball, cut in a circle to pirouette with the ball, look up, kick some long ball randomly, and every once-in-a-while, show up in a big game or two, and continue to be shit. He goes to Juve and suddenly, he's reborn. We carried him for so long after that. He was a detriment to the team, that's why he got dropped.

Sheva and Kaka crave loyalty from fans. That's why they come to San Siro to wave and do Milan content. It's where they can feel good about themselves. If Sheva scored a million goals at Chelsea, we wouldn't see him, same with Kaka and Madrid. They lie to fans and yet are confused as to what's the problem? Donna is confused as to why Milan fans hate him, who is more deluded? Donna or the fans? To me, it's Donna. Kessie is the same. He wants to declare all this shit, then sign on the dotted line bro. It's clear that the reports about him asking for 9m is real. Who the fuck is he? If the fans want to tell Kessie to fuck off, they can, and should.

At least fans are honest with themselves. You can call it childish, cool, but I see consistency. I see a hypocrisy in players, because if it was just a job, then celebrate like Balotelli when you score.

 

[Jivara]

Making formations is fun. I began watching Milan religiously in around 2002 (mainly because I got TV coverage on AD sports), I could only follow Milan in some selected UCL matches and in the newspaper reports. My weekly team before that was Barca, since around 1995-96.

The best XI of the players I've seen are

AC Milan (since 2002)
-------------------------Dida
-----Cafu----T.Silva----Nesta---Maldini
--------Gattuso---Pirlo---Seedorf
-----------------------Kaka
-----------Sheva----------Ibrahimovic

Subs
Stam, Serginho, Inzaghi, Rui Costa, Ambrosini, Pato

Barcelona (since 1995)
----------------------Valdez
---Alves----Puyol----F. De Boer---V.Bronckhorst
-----------Xavi----Cocu---Iniesta
----Rivaldo----Messi---Ronaldinho

Subs: Luis Enrique, Busquets, Alba, Etoo, Overmars, Figo, Kluivert, Stoichkov, Romario, Villa, Suarez.

Fuck no matter how you look at it, Barca have had some amazing players play for them, especially in attack.

I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that we have normally held on to our best players for long periods of time, to the point that they became senatori. Whereas Barca rejuvenate their squad even when players drop form, and this is probably because of the promotional battle they have with Real Madrid.

Also, the last 10 years have really pegged us back in the goat debate, that's around 40% of my football lifespan. Barca have always had great players and very strong teams but they've under achieved for the most part, until Rijkaard gave them a spine (with Laporta as president) and then they became unbearably annoying under Pep and the legacy that followed. I can say that during my football awareness years, Barca have been the better club than Milan but throughout entire history there is no chance, Milan is greater.

 

[Ronin]

So, are we getting Aubameyang on loan + option?

Would be such a Maldini move... 2 year loan, 50% salary paid by Arsenal, then 50% or so discount with that Italian tax law

 

[leaf]

leaf once again including himself in the “not smart” gang when he didn’t have to

Yeah I'm dumb... just not as dumb as you

 

[Samaldinho]

So, are we getting Aubameyang on loan + option?

Would be such a Maldini move... 2 year loan, 50% salary paid by Arsenal, then 50% or so discount with that Italian tax law

Our management focuses on personality and character, I don't think there's a chance in hell we get Aubameyang. He can't score anymore, he's a terrible player now. There's no way we take him.

 

[Ronin]

Our management focuses on personality and character, I don't think there's a chance in hell we get Aubameyang. He can't score anymore, he's a terrible player now. There's no way we take him.

fits our profile even more

 

[milanator]

Boga for 22m seems expensive but it‘s winter mercato …

 

[Hitchens]

 

[Hitchens]

Can't be long now until we see some traction for our first move.

 

[Ronin]

Love Pirlo, he's a Milan legend

Merry Christmas

 

[Master Smurf]

Boga for 22m seems expensive but it‘s winter mercato …

And he was poor all last season

 

[Hitchens]

A bit harsh maybe?

 

[Qaas]

A grown man

 

[Samaldinho]

Making formations is fun. I began watching Milan religiously in around 2002 (mainly because I got TV coverage on AD sports), I could only follow Milan in some selected UCL matches and in the newspaper reports. My weekly team before that was Barca, since around 1995-96.

The best XI of the players I've seen are

AC Milan (since 2002)
-------------------------Dida
-----Cafu----T.Silva----Nesta---Maldini
--------Gattuso---Pirlo---Seedorf
-----------------------Kaka
-----------Sheva----------Ibrahimovic

Subs
Stam, Serginho, Inzaghi, Rui Costa, Ambrosini, Pato

Barcelona (since 1995)
----------------------Valdez
---Alves----Puyol----F. De Boer---V.Bronckhorst
-----------Xavi----Cocu---Iniesta
----Rivaldo----Messi---Ronaldinho

Subs: Luis Enrique, Busquets, Alba, Etoo, Overmars, Figo, Kluivert, Stoichkov, Romario, Villa, Suarez.

Fuck no matter how you look at it, Barca have had some amazing players play for them, especially in attack.

I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that we have normally held on to our best players for long periods of time, to the point that they became senatori. Whereas Barca rejuvenate their squad even when players drop form, and this is probably because of the promotional battle they have with Real Madrid.

Also, the last 10 years have really pegged us back in the goat debate, that's around 40% of my football lifespan. Barca have always had great players and very strong teams but they've under achieved for the most part, until Rijkaard gave them a spine (with Laporta as president) and then they became unbearably annoying under Pep and the legacy that followed. I can say that during my football awareness years, Barca have been the better club than Milan but throughout entire history there is no chance, Milan is greater.

Man. Why did you have to do this? I don't want to talk about Barca. I loathe them. But I feel the need to defend Milan.

Milan from 2002-2007 was a better side than Pep's 08-12 team. Milan's late 80's and early 90's teams were the best club sides to ever play.

It's so weird how you give Barca the benefit-of-the-doubt, expanding the list of players from 1995 to today for Barca, but only from 2002 for Milan, a shorter window, smaller selection. I get it, that's when you started loving Milan, but like... I dunno man.

I think even that Milan team would beat that Barca team. Comfortably. Why? Because our defense would be able to limit the damage of their amazing attackers, but I've seen what Sheva can do to Puyol, and it's hilarious.

I feel like Milan fans are unique in that they always see others in the best possible light and see ourselves in the worst. It gets on my nerves.

Barca's greatest period was 06-15. That is the greatest period in their entire history. We've had several periods like that. I'm going to enjoy their descent into oblivion.

 

[Qaas]

 

[Samaldinho]

And he was poor all last season

I feel like that is expensive, especially as he's been a more bit-part player this year, injuries, etc. Maybe if last year was his big year, okay, I get it, but this year?

If he was a RW, I'd be a little annoyed, not because I think Boga is worth that, but because I desperately want Milan to have a livewire RW.

I think a CAM is more important in January, though.

A bit harsh maybe?

I feel bad for Conti. Injuries really have robbed him of a promising career. I hope he can turn it around, but I think it's obvious why he isn't playing. Can he really see himself starting over Kalulu or Florenzi?

Can't be long now until we see some traction for our first move.

If we don't buy Omeragic, I'll be shocked. Can you get a stronger link or hint when a player is at the stadium? The fact that journalists are still talking about Botman, when the price is quoted at 30m, I don't get it.

If the competition is between us and Newcastle, I can see why Botman would prefer us. I can even see why Lille would prefer us. I'm sure if Newcastle get relegated, there will be a change in the terms of the transfer. I just don't see us throwing down 30m on any player that isn't in a loan+option format.

It made me think of how a lot of transfer and sports reports are made, there are people paid by clubs to talk to journalists, to tell them (the journalists) what they want to do. I'm sure the salary demands of Kessie were leaked by Milan, just as the actions of Donna were, and I wonder if Milan is talking up Botman and others to throw off the scent? The fact that the management has talked repeatedly about how they are not happy with Faivre is either (1) they really hated what he did because he fucked up their transfer plans and don't want him around the club or (2) they want to get him, want to reduce the noise around his transfer, and are sending out distractions.

I feel like (2) is more of my hope, as I really want a CAM more than a RW right now.

Priorities for winter are, for me, in order: (1) CB, (2) CAM, (3) RW, (4) CM [if you can grab someone cool, otherwise, Pobega time next year!], (5) a ST for the summer.

A player like Faivre would solve (2) and (3), making him such a no-brainer for me. I also think Pobega should get a shot at being a CM next summer, even if we were to renew Kessie.

 

[AC_Wesley]

A grown man

He does it each year. He's an attention-seeking arse.

 

[taura]

haters gonna hate

 

[Mario]

Wait were in for Acerbi...?

Why have Lazio fans fallen out with him? It's news to me that he won't be at Lazio past this transfer market

 

[Ronin]

Talking about Conti and Calabria... injuries aside, I think Conti might not have the mental strength for such a burden as playing for Milan. Calabria, on the other hand, is a true champion. So happy to have him as captain

I might need to go back to older pages of his thread and have a laugh at all the idiots writing him off

 

[Wild]

Here we go again with a CD is more important than a starting AM.
Roma , Gabbia & Kalu as CDs offer more than Diaz as our starting AM & still we need a fucking CD.
People never learn.

 

[Jivara]

Man. Why did you have to do this? I don't want to talk about Barca. I loathe them. But I feel the need to defend Milan.

Milan from 2002-2007 was a better side than Pep's 08-12 team. Milan's late 80's and early 90's teams were the best club sides to ever play.

It's so weird how you give Barca the benefit-of-the-doubt, expanding the list of players from 1995 to today for Barca, but only from 2002 for Milan, a shorter window, smaller selection. I get it, that's when you started loving Milan, but like... I dunno man.

I think even that Milan team would beat that Barca team. Comfortably. Why? Because our defense would be able to limit the damage of their amazing attackers, but I've seen what Sheva can do to Puyol, and it's hilarious.

I feel like Milan fans are unique in that they always see others in the best possible light and see ourselves in the worst. It gets on my nerves.

Barca's greatest period was 06-15. That is the greatest period in their entire history. We've had several periods like that. I'm going to enjoy their descent into oblivion.

Why do you have to sound so defensive?

I know that overall Milan is a greater team. The first match I ever watched was the UCL final in 1994. To tell the truth I was supporting Barca because I was only 7 years old and I liked that their shirts were coloured. However, I remember pissing my shorts from the embarrassment of the defeat and the mighty name of MILAN was engraved deep into my conscious.

I guess you are also from MENA (Egyptian I presume), and during those days only ART and later AD sports covered the Italian Serie A. So sadly I missed some of the best years of AC Milan and I could only watch them occasionally when they aired their UCL matches. At the same time, since I was still a kid, I decided to support one team from each country (and more or less to loathe all the other rivals), so it was Barca in Spain and Newcastle in England (they were good back then with Shearer).

I had the Orbit network dish and they had La Liga so I remember well the Barca team from the 90s, starting with the Stoichkov-Romario era and then the Dutch dominated phase with the Rivaldo-Kluivert--Figo attack and then Saviola and Co. I remember the Barca vs Valencia UCL semi final ties and I was blown away by Valencia's speed of play and from that point they became my favourites in Spain; I loved how they outplayed Barca and Real with such great football and their stadium was always rocking.

I thought I would still have a soft spot for Barca but under Rijkaard they became a legitimate threat to Milan and by then I had access to Serie A and that Milan team was too beautiful for me to support any other club. I decided that I will only support one club. By the time Guardiola became the Barca coach, I began to despise the team and this only increased with the marketing scheme that revolved around them and Real Madrid. I just hated how they undermined the importance of other great clubs and focused everything around them. What I hated the most about Barca was how they were acting so high and mighty. They were acting as if they invented football, or as if their way tiki taka, was the only way to play the game. I hated how the refs allowed them to play that way, it was the end of a certain way of playing and the beginning of the gay football that we have today.

But besides all of that and speaking to you now as a mature football fan before anything. Barcelona has had amazing players since I began watching them, especially in midfield and in attack. I don't know who would win and I don't care because its a pointless assumption. But really Barca have had some of the best players at their very peak play for them. Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho .. all of these magicians played their best football at Barcelona. Before it turned into a gaybar, the Camp Nou with those magicians was one of the nicest atmospheres to watch in football. But in reality, Barca have been underachievers for the most part of their history and they were not graceful winners for long.

For me, Milan is the greatest club of all time, not because of trophies or players or whatever category that often comes up. I love this club for its principles or DNA.. I feel like I am part of that family. I also know by now that most teams go through bad patches and Milan itself has gone through a few even in recent memory (Post Baresi 1997-2001) but these giants always find a way to return and now I am bracing myself for the inevitable.

 

[Tantalis]

 

[Samaldinho]

Why do you have to sound so defensive?

Because I'm defending Milan and I hate Barca, in particular. I also hate every club that isn't named Milan. However, you have eloquently responded and I tip my hat to you.

I guess you are also from MENA (Egyptian I presume)

I have been assumed to be Indian, Arab, American, Somali, and a whole host of other things on here. It's always interesting to me.

Here we go again with a CD is more important than a starting AM.
Roma , Gabbia & Kalu as CDs offer more than Diaz as our starting AM & still we need a fucking CD.
People never learn.

There's a few reasons why I would want a CB in January, especially if it's a young guy. If we grab someone like Kjaer, okay, no big deal, but because I am assuming that we will be getting someone like Omeragic, I want the kid here now. I want to give him as much time to get settled in as possible. Even if he doesn't play.

Why? Because Kjaer is out until next year, and while I hope he returns to being himself, there's no guarantees. Romagnoli is almost out of contract, and there's no guarantee that he's staying. I also am confused because it's like, if Romagnoli is this horrible defender who we must get rid of, then shouldn't a CB partner for Tomori be of a top priority?

Yes, CAM is important, but, the reason I don't feel the same sense of urgency in January is because we have Adli. The kid is class. It's not just the assists, but it's how he passes in build-up that I love. If we didn't have Adli, then I'd be more panicked. But it's the combination of Adli being on his way in with Romagnoli being on his way out with Kjaer being injured that makes me feel that I want the CB now.

I'm not comfortable with Gabbia nor Kalulu in those spots. Brahim will be up-and-down, and hopefully he can be more up than down, otherwise, just shove Krunic there and let Rebic and Leao do their damage with Messias and Alexis, that if you are making this an either/or situation, and I don't think that's the case.

I wonder if we can take Luis Alberto away from Lazio. His playing time isn't great, Sarri seems pissed with him. Why don't we just pull some bullshit loan+option, hell, let's pay them 3m for the loan and have the option set at 50m, and make it an obligation if he makes 18 appearances, and then just hold him back after the 17th, and then shove him back to Lazio? We do need someone in the spot, for sure.

 

[Kuroha]

Printer doesn't even lose any player to AFCON

 

[Shiby]

Aubameyang is such a Fernando Torres like transfer.

 

[leaf]

Acerbi is shit
ppl need to realize that shit players can look decent or even good in other (smaller) clubs if they are confined to a rigid system. We've been burnt far too many times with the vast assortment of Destros and Matris and even Acerbis to think about this shit.

The guy is simply too slow for the modern game.
Could you imagine the level of assrape he'd get in the CL?

 

[MilanMB]

Was just gonna post that.

Awesome from Salah!!

And considering your reaction you are agreeing with the FUCKING USELESS CRAP EXCUSE OF HUMAN BEINGS in his comments. Fucking disgusting and shows why so many just don't belong in 2021 and should have lived thousand years ago.

 

[MilanMB]

If you as a Muslim, are triggered by Salah celebrating Christmas, you belong with the taliban.

 

[MilanMB]

That comment section is exactly why some parts of the world are stuck in medieval times and absolutely suck.