Ultramoronic!!!

I am writing this in tribute to Paolo Maldini. Maldini’s send off at San Siro  was marred was by a bunch of Milan Ultras. I know the incident happened a while back. But unfortunately I came to know of it just a few days back and I am unable to contain my outrage at such foolishness.So keeping in tradition with the spontaneity of MFaKR, here goes.

For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about (or worse, who I am talking about), Paolo Maldini is  the Italian defensive legend who stands tallest among this era of impostors who are the mercenaries of modern football.He has spent 25 years of his professional footballing career at the club. In fact, the entire Maldini family is probably the ideal example of a family with a rich footballing tradition (yes, NOT the Beckhams).Father Cesare was already a legend at the club. Paolo Maldini’s 12 year old son is the star of their youth setup, following in the foot steps of his illustrious father and grand father. Starting out as a mere 16 year old after climbing the ranks in the Milan youth setup, Paolo established himself quickly in the Milan first team. He formed an integral part of the legendary Milan team , captained by Franco Baresi, winning the serie A and the European Cup (he has won 5 of them!!). He has been part of the Italian national side which lost the 1994 world cup final, the first side to lose out in a penalty shoot out in a final.Maldini began his career his career in 1985 and in 2009 he finally hung up his boots at the ripe age of 40. Even then, he was always a clever footballer and never did he let the loss of pace during his twilight years affect his game. He has played over 900 league games for Milan and has never wavered in his support for the club, despite plump offers from bigger clubs. This brief background itself would be enough to gauge the guy’s patriotism and dedication and or more importantly his achievements. Shame he has not won any silverware at the international stage though he is Italy’s most capped player.This has a list of the trophies he has won. I got tired merely looking at it. Imagine the effort that has gone into keeping himself match fit for 25 years.

Ok. So much for the briefing. Now for a background on the Ultras. They are essentially defined as a band of football fanatics whose support for a particular club is insanely high, even to the extent of being boisterous. They generally like to display their patriotism with bright and sometimes vulgar displays of support which is aimed at intimidating opponent clubs.

Here is the kicker. In his last game as captain at the San Siro for Milan, Maldini failed to take his side to victory as Roma beat Milan 3-2 , thanks to the ever brilliant Totti. Despite this, the 70,00 strong audience at the San Siro rose in standing ovation for the Italian legend as he was performing a lap of honour around the stadium. It was during this momentous occasion that a bunch of Ultras held out posters which translated to ” Thank you for being an infinite champion on the field but you failed to respect those who made you rich”. In addition, they also were shouting out slogans like “Franco Baresi is the only captain”. What’s worse, the club did not even dignify it with a statement. What stung Maldini the most was that these accusations were made by the very people who have supported the club vehemently always.On being questioned later on national television regarding this outrage, the president of the Ultras(known as the “Baron” apparently) said this was in retort to Maldini’s outburst after landing in Milan when he was grilled by a bunch of ultras after losing the 2005 Champion’s league Final to Liverpool despite leading 3-0. Big deal!!So, he lost his cool on returning from one of their worst losses. Give the guy a break. He has bent his back and toiled hard to make the only Italian club that plays attacking football , a fortress of defence. Even after the match fixing scandal that rocked Serie A, Maldini implored his fans to stand by the club during these tough times. Apparently that seems to have been a mistake. I feel sorry for Milan who despite being one of the most respected clubs in Europe have to bear with such mindless idiots who are supposed to their most fervent supporters. O should say that people like Maldini, Giggs, Keane and others who are jewels of world football who have never let their worth be bought away by richer clubs, through unwavering loyalty. A shame that his career had to end in such a way at the club where he spent 25 years of his life in and became more than a home to him.

P.S. Keep a look out for his son Christian . He is only 12 years old and also plays as a defender. But if he was to follow his father’s footsteps, he could soon be seen in the Milan first team soon. And also, it was a dismal performance by the Spanish U-21 side which lost tamely to England u-21. In reference to Kumar Anand’s famous pursuits, well I am sure that is just another feather in his cap. Despite being in a top branch, not once has been considered thus.And a correction to Gla’s previous post. I was very much present in the wing when the event in question took place. And saw the video as well. Shame it never saw the light of day where people all over the world could have seen the wonder that is Kumar Anand. Man, it feels weird to call him by his real name.