Each year as the season comes to an abrupt end, the transfer rumor mill goes into fifth gear. It's a rather annoying period. A time where nearly every player is linked to several hundred teams. A time where fans argue with each other, disputing the legitimacy of each article released by websites starving for attention.

This year Milan finished third in the Serie A, guaranteeing them a spot in the Champions League. Most fans (myself included) are quick to bash Berlusconi, urging the owner to sell the very team he helped guide to elite status. After all, we support a team that proudly labels itself as "La squadra piu titolata", the team with the most trophies. Yet after a few years of no silverware, fans bring anti-Berlusconi/Galliani ads to the San Siro, and whistle management mercilessly. These loyal supporters craving for trophies are comparable to a drug addicts craving for cocaine.

Right now, we're all in somewhat of a metaphorical withdrawal period. Milan fans who are Italian experienced the absolute apex of sports joy - a Milan Champions League final win over rivals Liverpool AND Italy winning the World Cup over the French, all within a one year span! Fast forward three years later and we see a struggling Milan side searching for an identity. Even when things went well this year, there was always something missing. Almost a feeling of hopelessness, a feeling that we've become a sell-first team who cannot seriously compete for a trophy on the European stage. For the first time in my lifetime, Milan took a backseat to Inter.

You see, Inter was always the team us Milanisti could make fun of. This was a team that for whatever reason, had a four decade dry spell. We would always taunt our friends who supported Inter, gleefully comparing our Champions League success with their perennial woes. They were the team that couldn't get it done in Europe, the "other" team from Milano. Inter were infamous for ruining elite players and aiding us in the process. No situation is more evident than this one: Inter sent us Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf for Francesco Coco, who subsequently suffered from a serious case of Shevchenkonitis (an unknown disease that strikes a world class player in his prime, inexplicably rendering him useless.) Inter bought a Brazilian defender from Palmeiras when he was 23 years old, decided after a season that he was dispensable, and sold him to Real Madrid where he went on to become one of the greatest left backs in history. Does the name Roberto Carlos ring a bell?

So why is all of this so depressing? Inter seems to have traded places with AC Milan of the early 2000's. They stock quality players at nearly every position, and spend lavishly to bring in Champions. Unfortunately the results were evident this year with their treble. Milan on the other hand, seems to have become a glorified version of Udinese. Unless the president decides to splurge money on a superstar, our transfer patterns are mimicking those of small provincial sides. Galliani has recently said that Milan will buy a world class player for the right price*. <-- Note the asterisk

*The right price meaning €900,000 for a 34 year old Colombian defender.

So far, the rumor mill has teased us with "Ibrahimovic to Milan" rumors. Those were hastily nullified by his pudgy little agent Mino Raiola, who has claimed that the Serie A is no place for a superstar such as Ibra. I'm not even going to waste time retorting the ridiculousness of that past statement.

Future Milan Striker? Not According To His Agent ©AP

Borriello has been linked to about fifty teams. Since 99.9% of transfer rumors never materialize, I wouldn't worry too much about him departing this summer.

Fact #1: Leonardo is gone. His temporary spell at Milan showed that he has a promising future in the game, but just not now.
Speculation #1: The primary candidate to take over is former Cagliari boss Massimilano Allegri, who was voted as 2008's top Serie A Coach.
Speculation #2: The second candidate is Milan assistant Filippo Galli.

Random Notes:

- Two players who provided us with countless comedy this year are leaving Milan. Dida played his last game for Milan against Juventus a few weeks ago. At one time considered one of the worlds finest shot stoppers, his career reputation spiraled downwards after strings of bizarre moments/accidents.

Dida was never the same after this punishing blow. ©AP

Bizarre Incident #1: During a heated derby, Dida was struck in the head by a rocket propelled Firework.

Bizarre Incident #2: He became the first player in the history of soccer to injure himself while sitting on the bench. He severely strained his back after bending down to grab something, and had to be carted off the field.

Bizarre Incident #3: Against Celtic, a Scottish fan ran onto the pitch, and merely caressed Dida's face. The slight contact caused Dida to tumble to the ground and lay dead as if a Sniper had shot him.

Bizarre Incident #4: Champions League. Santiago Bernabeu. Milan vs. Real Madrid. What turned out to be the most entertaining game of the year, also had one of the most epic goalkeeping errors of all time.

Needless to say, we'll miss Nelson Dida. He provided us with a Champions League trophy, and plenty of unintentional comedy.

- Favalli also played his last game for Milan and decided to start collecting his pension. He will be remembered for being torched by Antonio Valencia in the Champions League against Manchester United. Then again, what type of velocity can you expect from an athlete who has arthritis in both his knees? Regardless, the ageless wonder valiantly attempted to fill in for Nesta this year. Let's move on..

Milan Players in the World Cup:

Andrea Pirlo - Italy: The undisputed regista for the Italian National team. He actually plays better for Italy than for his club. Reason could be that he is often deployed in a more advanced role behind the strikers rather than in front of the defense.

Marco Borriello - Italy: Fighting for the vice-Gilardino role alongside Pazzini. In my opinion, Borriello is a more complete striker than Gilardino. Having watched both extensively, I'm curious to get my readers opinion on the matter as well.

Gianluca Zambrotta - Italy: Another bizarre call by Lippi. Luca Antonini was much more impressive than the old right back this year.

Gennaro Gattuso - Italy: Consensus around the National Team shows that the snarling dog was brought on simply for his personality. There is no doubt Ambrosini was much more effective this year, but apparently Lippi thinks Gattuso's leadership qualities and fire are a necessity.

Thiago Silva - Brazil: The Brazilian squad is sure to employ a central defense pair consisting of Juan and Lucio, so Silva will be used as a backup.

Klaas-Jan Cobra Huntelaar - Netherlands: The only true "target" man called up to the Dutch side means the Cobra will get a chance to strike on the world stage.

Oguchi Onyewu - USA: Got a chance to see him play for 65 minutes in a friendly against the Czech Republic. Obviously a bit out of sync, I'll be curious to see how he performs in South Africa. His experience and talent makes him the top USA defender, but lack of playing time might see him take a less coveted backup role.

Dominic Adiyiah - Ghana: The hardest name I've ever had to spell. Are we sure he exists? I have never seen any pictures of him at Milan.

Well, an entire season has passed since I started writing this column. I want to thank all of my readers who have continually supported my writing and the ones who took the time to leave comments after every post. Your input makes writing these articles much more enjoyable.

Also, make sure to join my World Cup bracket on ESPN! Simply click here, choose the teams, then join group name: TheMilanGuy. Password: favalli.

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