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diemmeWhy is it that just as soon as you settle in to enjoy your friday afternoon; armed with a bowl of ice cream, caffeine, remote control, all snug in your "Inzaghi" shirt and fuzzy slippers; the maintenance people you called weeks ago finally show up?
Why do people think that I should no longer wear my Juve "Inzaghi" shirt now that he's a Milan player?
Why do people get surprised and upset that the official AC Milan site gives more attention to Maldini than to Nesta?
Why do people assume that because someone is female all they are able to appreciate about football is the players' looks?
Why does the woman across the street walk her dog without a leash and let it stand in front of my gate sending Azzurri into a frenzy of territorial barking?
That's all.
Paolo Maldini is about to reach another milestone. It seems there is nothing new with this fact, it's quite a routine for him, but this time the event is really noteworthy. Two more caps - against Lazio and Club Brugge - before the captain equals Franco Baresi's record. On Sunday, October 26, Maldini will celebrate his 719th appearance with Milan in the Marassi game against Sampdoria. He has collected 716 caps so far, including the official summer friendlies played under the aegis of the Italian Football League. Paolo is close to share Baresi's record before beating it on November 1, when Milan are to face a big clash against Juventus.
The record, which will be even improved in the next months, is really extraordinary: apart from stats, you just have to look at the names Maldini leaves behind him to understand the importance of his achievement. Not only Baresi and Gianni Rivera, but all Milan's stars - and perhaps the Italian ones too. He is the best. As if it were not enough for him to beat Dino Zoff's record with the National team or to become the most capped Italian player in the European competitions or the one who has collected the most appearances in Serie A (ahead of Rivera).
On March 15 he had actually already reached an important target, as he made his 500th appearance in the Italian top flight. During the match against Reggina Paolo was celebrated with a standing ovation by the crowd in Reggio Calabria. But this time it would be something much greater if compared to the use and throw away football of the third millenium. Maldini, on the contrary, is always there, over the years. A reassuring presence at Milan and not only there, as he represents every player, a star with no shirt and colours... and also with no age.
Who was hoping to see him back to the National team at Euro 2004 has been disappointed, as Maldini rejected any return. He won't change his mind, neither he will make U-turn. Italy are behind him, only a past memory. Since last summer the recordman has only played for Milan who will pay him homage in a future day retiring his shirt No. 3. There are many ways to enter the record book. While David Blaine may have choosen to be suspended over the River Thames for 44 days, Maldini's record is just as impressive and all thanks to what Mother Nature has supplied..
PAOLO MALDINI'S CAREER IN FIGURES:
Serie A* 510
Coppa Italia 72
Italian SuperCup5
European SuperCup7
European Champion Clubs' Cup97
UEFA Cup20
Intercontinental Cup4
Summer friendlies**1
National team 126
TOTAL 842
*Including the 1986-87 UEFA play-off
**The official ones, those played under the aegis of the Italian Football League.
Why do people think that I should no longer wear my Juve "Inzaghi" shirt now that he's a Milan player?
Why do people get surprised and upset that the official AC Milan site gives more attention to Maldini than to Nesta?
Why do people assume that because someone is female all they are able to appreciate about football is the players' looks?
Why does the woman across the street walk her dog without a leash and let it stand in front of my gate sending Azzurri into a frenzy of territorial barking?
That's all.
Paolo Maldini is about to reach another milestone. It seems there is nothing new with this fact, it's quite a routine for him, but this time the event is really noteworthy. Two more caps - against Lazio and Club Brugge - before the captain equals Franco Baresi's record. On Sunday, October 26, Maldini will celebrate his 719th appearance with Milan in the Marassi game against Sampdoria. He has collected 716 caps so far, including the official summer friendlies played under the aegis of the Italian Football League. Paolo is close to share Baresi's record before beating it on November 1, when Milan are to face a big clash against Juventus.
The record, which will be even improved in the next months, is really extraordinary: apart from stats, you just have to look at the names Maldini leaves behind him to understand the importance of his achievement. Not only Baresi and Gianni Rivera, but all Milan's stars - and perhaps the Italian ones too. He is the best. As if it were not enough for him to beat Dino Zoff's record with the National team or to become the most capped Italian player in the European competitions or the one who has collected the most appearances in Serie A (ahead of Rivera).
On March 15 he had actually already reached an important target, as he made his 500th appearance in the Italian top flight. During the match against Reggina Paolo was celebrated with a standing ovation by the crowd in Reggio Calabria. But this time it would be something much greater if compared to the use and throw away football of the third millenium. Maldini, on the contrary, is always there, over the years. A reassuring presence at Milan and not only there, as he represents every player, a star with no shirt and colours... and also with no age.
Who was hoping to see him back to the National team at Euro 2004 has been disappointed, as Maldini rejected any return. He won't change his mind, neither he will make U-turn. Italy are behind him, only a past memory. Since last summer the recordman has only played for Milan who will pay him homage in a future day retiring his shirt No. 3. There are many ways to enter the record book. While David Blaine may have choosen to be suspended over the River Thames for 44 days, Maldini's record is just as impressive and all thanks to what Mother Nature has supplied..
PAOLO MALDINI'S CAREER IN FIGURES:
Serie A* 510
Coppa Italia 72
Italian SuperCup5
European SuperCup7
European Champion Clubs' Cup97
UEFA Cup20
Intercontinental Cup4
Summer friendlies**1
National team 126
TOTAL 842
*Including the 1986-87 UEFA play-off
**The official ones, those played under the aegis of the Italian Football League.
no subject
Date: 2003-10-17 05:31 pm (UTC)i don't think there's anything wrong with wearing a juve inzaghi shirt. but then, i wouldn't ever think there's anything wrong with wearing a juve shirt, no matter who's name is on it.
i would be surprised if the milan website paid more attention to nesta than maldini, not the other way around! i mean...maldini kind of *is* milan. crazy people.
no subject
Date: 2003-10-17 07:18 pm (UTC)I love my Juve-Pippo shirt; I'll never give it up. Though, I never wear it when I watch him play for Milan; I worry it will jinx him.
I've been hearing so much lately about Milan not giving Nesta enough attention. Which is BS because the fans love him. I doubt Nesta's pouting about not Maldini getting more attention.
no subject
Date: 2003-10-18 05:13 am (UTC)That's a problem I always had with my male friends, until I bet with them every week and made them lose all their money ;)
Althoug I do appreciate the player's looks too :)
And I don't think that here is anything wrong with wearing a Juve Inzaghi shirt, my brother does it too.
no subject
Date: 2003-10-18 12:24 pm (UTC)