After 18 years with Milan, Massimo Ambrosini will bid farewell to the club when his contract expires at the end of the month. A loyal servant who enjoyed great success with the Rossoneri spanning across almost two decades, his presence in the dressing room will undoubtedly be a loss moving forward.
"After 18 years, the paths of Ambrosini and Milan will separate. He will not sign a new contract with Milan,” Adriano Galliani confirmed on Tuesday evening.
The former captain is another casualty of the club's new strategy as they actively seek to reduce the average age of the squad. Ambrosini's departure will certainly have an impact on that, while simultaneously creating space for a youngster of the ilk of Bryan Cristante to emerge.
-Milan confirm Ambrosini departure
Galliani went on to confirm that Riccardo Montolivo will be handed the armband next season, albeit with Christian Abbiati's blessing, which is a welcome decision given the Italian international’s position and importance to the team.
Ambrosini joined from Cesena back in July 1995, and aside from a the 1997-98 season with Vicenza, the veteran midfielder was an ever-present in the squad thereafter.
His trophy haul also makes for impressive reading, having secured four Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, and two Champions League-winning medals, in 2003 and 2007.
Europe’s biggest competition may serve as the scene of one of his most memorable moments at the club, scoring an all-important away goal against PSV in the semifinals in 2005 to book Milan's place in the final.
In addition, there are two Italian Super Cups, two European Super Cups and a World Club Championship, an impressive collection for one who began his career in red and black as a 21-year-old midfielder by helping Fabio Capello to a league title in ’95.
The 36-year-old played a significant role for the club over the years, and his contribution should be remembered and celebrated accordingly.
Sadly, he doesn’t depart with a sendoff quite like the one enjoyed by his old teammates in front of a packed Curva Sud last summer. However, he is expected to extend his career beyond Milanello next season, with interest from both England and the MLS.
While his contribution may have diminished on the pitch over the years, he remained as one of the last “senators” at the club last season to help guide the next generation into the next era.
It may well have been beneficial to manager Massimiliano Allegri for him to continue for another year, but it is apparent that that area of the squad isn’t lacking in options and he would be surplus to requirements.
As a result, it is the end of the road for Milan and Ambrosini. While the club wish him good luck with whatever his future holds, he will forever remain a symbol of the club and a life-long Rossonero.
Was it the right decision to let Ambrosini leave? Is Montolivo’s appointment as new captain the right move?
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