AC Milan celebrated its 125th anniversary on a night meant for jubilation at San Siro, yet it was marred by the absence of key legends and the discontent of fans. The event kicked off with the Hall of Fame induction of notable players like Marco van Basten, Filippo Inzaghi, and the absent Andriy Shevchenko, all of whom walked the red carpet to applause from the crowd. But the mood quickly soured as the names of absent legends, especially Paolo Maldini, echoed through the stadium.
The celebration officially began at 19:45, just before the Milan-Genoa match. It was anticipated to be a magical evening filled with nostalgia, honoring players who left an indelible mark on the club’s illustrious history. Yet, the absence of Maldini, who was dismissed from his position as director by club owner Gerry Cardinale over disagreements, was particularly pronounced. The fans' disappointment was palpable as they had hoped to see their beloved former captain acknowledge this significant milestone.
Franco Baresi, honorary vice president, led the night’s proceedings, garnering cheers as he presented van Basten and other inducted players. With their historical triumphs woven so tightly to the club's identity, these legends received standing ovations, stirring sentiments of nostalgia among the supporters. Players from Milan’s glory days under coaches Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello, and Carlo Ancelotti were prominently featured, many of whom contributed to the team’s legacy.
Yet the evening’s festivities turned chaotic when the fans displayed banners reading, "Rendiamo onore ai nostri campioni, simboli di un Milan che non esiste più"—translately, “Let’s honor our champions, symbols of a Milan no longer existing.” This sentiment reflected the grievances held by the supporters, who lamented the current direction of the club.
During the festivities, the atmosphere shifted negatively when players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared on the big screen. Instead of the expected cheers, he was met with loud whistles from the stands, demonstrating the fanbase's frustration with his role as the team's senior advisor, and the overall management of the team. The fateful silence was deafening as the crowd reacted to the disappointing realization of their beloved club's current state.
The match itself ended with stark disappointment—Milan drew 0-0 against Genoa, leaving fans frustrated not just with the performance but with the club's overall direction. Many supporters expressed vehement discontent both during and after the match, demanding answers and accountability from the team’s leadership.
Historically rich, but presently weary, supporters reflected on former glories as they stood watching the lackluster performance. Echoing the voices of fans, one spectator was noted shouting, "You’ve broken us! We’re not American, are you leaving or what?” This poignant remark captured the essence of discontent with the management under Cardinale, whose decisions have seemingly put Milan’s illustrious history at risk.
Adding to the tension was the absence of other greats such as Boban and Rivera, fueling concerns among fans about their commitment to the club's heritage. While the night was meant to celebrate the past, it starkly highlighted the chasm between the projected legacy of AC Milan and its current reality.
Despite the festive ambiance of the anniversary celebration, the incidents and reactions from the fans veered the night from what was meant to be joyous to one of frustration and uncertainty. The stark reality revealed itself as the crowd faced the juxtaposition of past achievements against the backdrop of present turmoil.
Looking forward, fans eagerly anticipate how club management will address these concerns and realign with the storied legacy of AC Milan. The night may have been disrupted by disappointment, but the echoes of past triumphs and the longing for future success resonate strongly among the loyalists of this historic football club.
