Set foot in Brazil and the first thing you notice are the five-a-side pitches, the same ones that form a kind of grassroots base beneath tower blocks that still retain a hint of French colonial aesthetics. Two nations that, along with AC Milan, seem to go hand in hand when it comes to players who have passed through over the course of history. As with everything, it’s inevitable to say that changing times go hand in hand with the Rossoneri club’s dominance in Europe.
Milan-André, the many reasons for the slowdown
Almost three days ago, André was seeing red and black; the visit of his agents to Casa Milan’s headquarters suggested the deal with Corinthians would likely succeed. The president of the 'Timão', Osmar Stabile, was preparing an acceptable proposal so as not to provoke desk-thumping in the main Rossoneri offices. Once the asking price for the 2006-born player had been communicated, there were two paths: continue negotiations or stretch things until they snapped.
Milan decided not to raise their bid. It’s not the right time to take part in bidding wars, especially in a position where, at a glance, the squad depth appears stronger than in other areas.
Dorival Junior, the current coach of the Brazilian side and former manager of the Seleção, achieved his aim well: to keep a player considered indispensable and develop him until the summer window to maximise profit (not insignificant given the disastrous financial situation the São Paulo-based club is facing). The idea of replacing him immediately with a youth academy player has been wisely set aside, as relayed via MilanPress.it.
André's cryptic message on social media
"Life happens now. Do what you have to do in this exact moment, because you don’t know what will happen next." This was the message André posted on social media a few days ago. It reveals a strong personality, free of distractions and regrets about what might have been, while not closing the door to the future (with interest from Atlético Madrid).
It’s not the first time the Rossoneri have tried to secure a Brazilian talent well in advance. The hype around a player coming from South America is always there and always will be, perhaps because in Europe there is this perception of knowing everything through data and rapidly spreading news, without much concern about burning bridges.
