AC Milan’s 2022-23 season ended last night with a 3-1 victory against Hellas Verona at the San Siro after Olivier Giroud’s penalty and Rafael Leao’s brace.
Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) recall how Verona’s equaliser midway through the second half put a dampener on the mood during what was a poor game in truth, but Leao celebrated with his renewal until 2028 with a late match-winning brace.
Last night at San Siro was a night of strong emotions, especially at the end of the match when Zlatan Ibrahimovic entered the field and not only said goodbye to Milan but also to football in general as a player.
In the stands many fans were unable to mask their emotion and neither was Ibrahimovic, who for the first time showed himself more human and less of a superhero as tears welled up in his eyes.
It was an evening to remember for all the Milan supporters who said goodbye to one of the great architects of the rebirth of the club in recent years, both with his on-field contributions but also what he brought away from the pitch with his leadership and charisma.
Ibra will now have to think of a future without playing football just as Milan must now continue without Zlatan, and Gerry Cardinale was present in the stands last night. In the next few hours he will meet with Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara establish strategies for the summer transfer market.
During the match against Verona, the Curva Sud displayed a banner reading: “Another season has passed. Now it’s time for the transfer window. We want the leap in quality.”
Qualification for the Champions League will give a big hand and new resources could also come from some sales and the saving of some big salaries. Then, Maldini and Massara will have to make the right moves.
