Week 38: Ibra’s Farewell

The season, despite its relative Champions League success, seems like an anticlimax. Struggling to finish fourth with a much less than convincing 2023 has dampened the Pioli years’ successes and overachievement. Positive news arrived of the finally official Leao extension – to 2028. Otherwise the news remains cautious at best. The team needs obvious investment in several positions but will any real budget be found and even if so used well? Reports of various numbers like €70 million could be as off the mark as links to Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan. The summer – once again – promises to be rumour and frustration filled.

For this week 38 match however there is some late news. While many could and have wondered out loud if Ibra will remain at Milan to play only late this week it has been revealed that Sunday will be a farewell for the (injured) Swede. Whether he can take part in any of the match versus Verona remains to be seen. But the 42 year old’s time as a Milan player is over. He could play on at Monza or take up a non player position at Milan or even continue as an agent of sorts at Mino Raiola’s agency.

Verona are in a final day relegation fight. Either they or Spezia (playing at Roma) will head to Serie B. I Gialloblu have something to play for and will likely make this a tougher match that it could otherwise be.

The starting 11 could include a surprise or two … or not . Some hope or assume that De Ketelaere will get a start. Others would love to see Adli make a very rare appearance. The two players highlight the regression that kicked off with the 2022 summer transfer window. With a Champions League spot secured and good revenue of the 2022-2023 season the upcoming summer should be different but nothing is certain for today’s Milan.

There is always more about this match and others on the forums.