AC Milan will begin a squad revolution by allowing eight players to
leave at the end of the season, according to the Gazzetta dello
Sport.
The first is the legendary Paolo Maldini, who will retire
23-and-a-half years after making his club debut way back in January
of 1985.
Ronaldo will also move on as his contract runs out in the summer,
and the Milan hierarchy are refusing to offer him a renewal due to
the constant injury problems that have seen him play just once this
season.
Rossoneri fans would be happy to see accident-prone goalkeeper
Nelson Dida leave the club immediately, however the lack of a valid
alternative will see him stay until June, when he will then be
replaced, probably by Fiorentinas Sebastien Frey.
A number of defensive veterans are also set to leave the club. The
37-year-old Cafu signed a one-year contract extension in the
summer, however this will almost certainly be his final
renewal.
Cafus Brazilian compatriot Serginho will turn 37 in June, and
despite still demonstrating some blistering pace, he will leave
after nine years at the club.
Fellow left back Giuseppe Favalli has a contract at San Siro until
2009, however he is now surplus to requirements and will probably
see the final year of his deal paid up in full.
Croatian stopper Dario Simic, who is set for a loan move to Lazio
in a few days, will be sold to a club that can offer him first team
football.
Finally young French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, a player likened by
some to a young Zinedine Zidane, has been told by Coach Carlo
Ancelotti that he has no future with the Rossoneri.
