Milan begin new era as club legends bow out in tears

MILAN – The end of an era at AC Milan was greeted with tears from the players who will no longer wear the famous black and red shirt.

Monday, May 14, 2012
L-R: Nesta, Inzaghi, Gattuso and Seedorf plus Van Bommel are set to leave AC Milan. Net photo.

MILAN – The end of an era at AC Milan was greeted with tears from the players who will no longer wear the famous black and red shirt.A host of established stars will move on from the club since summer after years of loyal service, with one such individual Filippo Inzaghi bowing out with  the match-winning goal in a 2-1 over Novara.The 38-year-old, who has played 11 seasons at the San Siro, is yet to decide on his future and leaves with the likes of Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf, Mark van Bommel and Gianluca Zambrotta.Nearly of those who are waving goodbye to Milan, especially tough-tackling Gattuso who departs after 13 seasons, left the San Siro pitch in tears.Milan, who won the title last year, finished second and four points behind unbeaten Juventus.Elsewhere in Italy, Udinese clinched third place and a spot in the qualifying rounds for the Champions League, the same stage they reached last year where they were beaten by Arsenal.Juventus broke AC Milan’s record of 42 matches unbeaten and finished the league season undefeated with a 3-1 win over Atalanta.It was also the perfect send-off after 19 years with the Old Lady for club captain Alessandro Del Piero, who took the armband for the final time in a Serie A game in Juve’s colours and netted his team’s second goal.Youngster Luca Marrone scored the opener and Andrea Barzagli netted a last-minute penalty as Juve finished the season with 84 points, four clear of last year’s champions Milan.