AC Milan secured their place in the group stages of next season's
Champions League by beating Fiorentina on an emotional day of goodbyes
at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Goals from Kaka and Alexandre Pato in the second half earned the Rossoneri
three points on the day that Paolo Maldini brought an end to his 24
years as a professional footballer after 902 club appearances, all
for Milan.
He was allowed to leave the field before the rest of the players
as the curtain came down on one of the most illustrious careers
of any footballer.
David Beckham also played the last game of a significantly shorter
career for Milan before returning to Major League Soccer, while
coach Carlo Ancelotti seems destined to leave the club he has led
to two Champions League triumphs over the last seven years. Chelsea
could be his next club.
Fiorentina, who introduced the now obligatory shake of hands at
the end of Serie A matches, reinforced their fair play with the
entire stadium giving Maldini a standing ovation before kick-off
and at the game's conclusion.
He was one of the first to touch the ball too, showing the composure
and aplomb that have characterised one of the longest and most successful
careers of any footballer on the planet.
His last game for the Rossoneri was simultaneously one of his most
important. The Rossoneri needed to avoid defeat by more than one
goal to hold onto their top-three position and secure automatic
entry into the Champions League group stage next season.
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