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Whenever I write a column I usually tend to focus on one particular player who has stood out in recent weeks. What we've witnessed recently is the emergence of one of the old horsemen. Although it looks as if he's running in Birkenstock sandals when he plays, The Clarence has rolled back the years and given us a taste of the sort of vintage that has seen him manage to lift the Champions League trophy with a staggering three different teams.
The Clarence - despite being immobile, he is absolute class.
We might remember his putrid performances earlier in the season, where his lack of pace could be exploited even by a dead snail. Old Slowdorf infuriated fans because he was a liability if he couldn't deliver on the offensive end
Somewhere along the line, a reinvigorated Slowdorf turned into Seedorfinho, with dazzling displays of dribbling brilliance, a keen eye for goal, and an unselfish attitude that rubbed off on the rest of the squad. A natural leader who is respected and praised in the locker room, Seedorf is a model teammate who has always oozed class from every pore on his body.

Seedorf has been brilliant in recent weeks
©AP
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Against Sampdoria, The Clarence gave us an appetizer of his old rocket right foot. No longer do fans in the Curva Sud have to bring riot shields to the games to protect themselves from Seedorf's wayward shot. His accuracy in recent weeks has been about as clinical as you could expect from the old trequartista.
Not only was he absolutely fantastic in the second leg of Tottenham, against Inter, and most recently in a pivotal match against Sampdoria, but The Clarence is very close to cracking the top 10 Milan players in terms of appearances for the club. He has only a handful of matches to go before he surpasses the great Albertini.
His emotions couldn't be contained after Milan was bounced out of the Champions League prematurely. Could this have been because he knows in his mind that retirement looms on the horizon? Plenty of questions will be raised this summer concerning the old veterans and Clarence himself. While he is considered a Senator in the locker room, coach Allegri must make decisions in regards to what is best for the team, and put all sentimental values aside. Whether we agree with it or not, football is a business like any other.
So here's a toast to you, Clarence.
Random Notes:
- Allegri said it himself that throwing away the Scudetto now would be suicidal. Milan are currently six points clear of second place side CavaNapoli, and Inter continued their downfall steered by the unenviable duo of Captain Yellow Tooth & Leonardo Da Vinci's illegitimate younger brother: Leonardo Non Vinci.
- Pato has been ruled out for the next three weeks, and will miss matches against Brescia and Bologna. Milan right now are thinner in the striking department than one of Cambiasso's awkward last remaining hairs that would droop over his forehead after a good sweat. The offensive options at the moment include Robinho, who scores once every 7,500 shots. (Official Statistic from Milan). His partner in crime is the gluttonous and newly appointed father Antonio Cassano. None of them are real strikers per say, but they formed a goofy chemistry together leading to Robinho's headed goal against Sampdoria.
- If you didn't believe the Pato Corollary and dismissed it as a legit theory. Now is the time to join the bandwagon. I might have to chronicle this theory and propose it to be renamed as a law. It's simple: Pato will go on a rampage for a few weeks, showing everyone his world class talent and giving Milanisti across the globe feelings of immense ecstasy as he delivers punishing blows to the hordes of Intergentina and Napoli. As soon as Pato is pushing through his ceiling, wandering into new boundaries of superstardom, an injury will occur and he will be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks, stunting his growth and giving Barbara Berlusconi plenty of time to cuddle with her little duck.
- Speaking of the Prime Minister's daughter, a new theory should've been released: The Barbara Berlusconi Theory. Every since Pato started dating her, he has been subdued in terms of aggression and passion on the pitch. Anyone remember the Napoli game where he looked like a cross between Kimbo Slice and Ronaldo (the real Ronaldo, not the metrosexual god). That was exactly a week after his newfound relationship was released to the public.
- Now that Ibrahimovic & Pato are both out for at least the next two weeks, Milan will have to rely on youngster Giacomo Beretta, who has been warming up with the first team. Pippo Inzaghi is also expected to make his long awaited comeback to help with the attack.
For more Milan related news, make sure to check out my new website! Make sure to visit the 'current players' page. I guarantee a laugh or two.
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Comments
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Posted by GanstaUnit99xx on 04/18/2011
Great article! Add me on your twitter account. Good work
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Posted by damian on 04/18/2011
Completely agree with comments re: Seedorf & Pato.
We must secure Calrence for 1 more season, even if only to give him a chance to win UCL one more time.
He is without doubt a good influence on the training ground too.
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Posted by damian on 04/18/2011
Also if you can score a free kick like that in birkenstocks we need to secure a sponsorship ;)
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Posted by Ceassy VonDay on 04/18/2011
on point and witty as usual..i must confess the locker room senator has kept me dumbfounded in recent weeks and nothing could compare to the orgasmic feeling i felt after watching CavaNapoli stumble after LEO NON VINCI'S had also pulled one of his magic tricks for INTER.......all in all its been great,no i mean,ABSOLUTELY great to be a Milan fan in recent weeks...and i sincerely hope SUPER-MAX ALLEGRI keeps his squad grounded as usual to bring home the Scudetto...........FORZA MILAN!!!!
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Posted by Simon on 04/18/2011
Great article.
Out of interest, would people rather see Seedorf or Pirlo renewed? Whilst I can see that Seedorf despite his advancing years (and Im still not convinced he should be a first team regular next season) could slot into a system in the upcoming year; the same cannot be said about Pirlo in my opinion.
When it comes down to it; I feel that Milan have to be ruthless when it comes to contracts. For too long we have been too nice and it is now up to MIlan to just say sorry to a few players that perhaps we have been showing understandable torrents of respect to.
Lastly, would Milan fans see any problem in trying to use Robinho as a tool in the transfer window? Personally I am thoroughly unimpressed. We can say hes not a natural finisher til the cows come home but his goal scoring ratio per clear cut chances is pathetic and there are times I honestly think that even I could do better.
I look forward to hear your answers!
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Posted by Brent on 04/18/2011
Your articles are by far the most entertaining.
I've been aware of your disdain for Slowdorf for quite a while, so it's nice seeing you give credit when it's due to the new Seedorfinho.
I could tolerate his utter lack of pace for another season as long as he's doing the Pirlo thing.
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Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/18/2011
@Simon
I think the faithfuls would love to see Seedorf and Pirlo renewed simply for their name. However, the squad is moving in a youthful direction. Imagine if a Ganso was brought in? He'd have to take the spot of one of the old guard, and would Seedorf be happy playing in a strict substitute role? All questions that will be answered in time. And about Robinho, I'm unimpressed with the finishing, but he has been putting himself in wonderful positions. I guess you could say all he is missing is the goal, but then again that is the most important facet of a striker.
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Posted by Mac on 04/18/2011
I have to admit, I was part of the group that was upset to see Seedorf on the teamsheet. He has perked him up apparently, now that he is on the left of midfield, instead of as a trequartista. I can proudly wear my Seedorf #10 jersey again. I think Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso and Nesta, Zambro and co. still have valuable contributions to the team, and am hopeful they are resigned. Forza Clarence, Forza Milan
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Posted by Landon Shively on 04/19/2011
Thank you for another great article Mr. Bonetti.
I would really like to see this lineup vs Brescia:
----Abate------Nesta-----Silva-------Antonini
----Pirlo-----------Gattuso
Seedorf---------Boateng
Cassano
Inzaghi
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Posted by Trevor on 04/19/2011
Great article Matteo, always have a nice laugh when reading them.
It was quite a relief this weekend with both Inter and Napoli losing and Milan getting the win, part of me thought they would screw it up.
Also surprised at how bad Sampdoria has become, it's amazing how the loss of 2 players can turn a team. Also upset to see them not playing Poli, personally I think he's quality and Milan should go after him in the summer, because surely he won't want to stay with the new sinking ship of Calcio. What are your thoughts on him?
Good to see Pirlo back on the pitch, one of my all time favourites, personally I would like to see him stick with Milan, he adds something to the team that not many players can.
Also it's good to hear that Baoteng will most likely be staying next year, he really adds flexibility and 'swagger' to our midfield, personally i think he has improved a lot under Allegri, and he's a player for the future.
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Posted by Trevor on 04/19/2011
Also, Thiago Silva will be on the next jersey I get. That man is god at the back, Nesta may be right by calling him the best cb in the world. With him at the back, I always feel secure.
Would anyone agree, that if we getrid of Ambrosini, we should give Thiago Silva the captain's armband, I know the Italian philosophy of giving it to the most capped player, but he is a real leader on the pitch. Thoughts?
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Posted by veritas on 04/19/2011
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Posted by RobStyles on 04/19/2011
Seedorf has been huge for Milan since the New Year! I think Fester should resign for 2 more years but let it be clear where he stands as a role player and leader but no longer a regular starter when the team is healthy.
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Posted by D on 04/19/2011
Pato gettin it done! Oh wait ... we're supposed to be rooting for his soccer exploits. Too bad there won't be any for the next few weeks.
@Simon - I'd bring back Clarence over Pirlo. Locker room leadership gives him the edge. Neither one is driving in the fast lane any more.
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Posted by rossonero23 on 04/19/2011
I trademarked " CavaNapoli "....
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Posted by Andrea Pirlo on 04/19/2011
Hey guys, you guys still remember me right?
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Posted by Milan 1987 on 04/19/2011
Seedorf has done well recently, BUT DON'T BE FOOLED. He is ONLY raising his game now because his contract is up for renewal.Seedorf has been POOR and out of form for 3 years now and to give him another year would be FOOLISH.Seedorf has cost Milan TOO MANY times recently to just overlook that for a few games of brilliance.IT'S TIME FOR MILAN TO MOVE ON!If Milan's management is caught up in the emotion and gives Clarence another year, MARK MY WORDS,IT WILL HURT MILAN IN THE END.
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Posted by Izzy on 04/19/2011
Milan will be keeping Seedorf, Ambrosini, and probably Pirlo. Why do you want that formation vs. Brescia??? We'll have Ibra back, and Allegri doesn't trust Boateng in the CM role he isn't prepared defensively for that role.
Forza Milan, The Scudetto is about to fall into our hands for the first time in 7 yr. I'm very pleased and can't wait to celebrate.
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Posted by Izzy on 04/19/2011
Nevermind the previous post with Ibra coming back it totally slipped my mind that he has to deal with the ban. Anyway it will probably be a 4-3-1-2
Boateng behind Robinho and Cassano........if Inzaghi is fine then Cassano Inzaghi.
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Posted by Maldini Powa on 04/19/2011
Hopefully, JUST HOPEFULLY ! Robinho won't waste sooo many chances and perhaps would score 1 or 2 out of 20.
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Posted by Milan 1963 on 04/20/2011
Brother Matteo,
Thank you for the good laugh once again.
Good old Clarence is back to its best and honestly I am one of those who were doubtful about it. He may be irritating but he is also a class act. We should keep him for one more year, as long as he does not play together with Pirlo. However with the rumors of Ganso, Constant, Lazzari and even Poli coming to Milan,there will not be much space for him in the future. Boateng will for sure be one of the pillars of the new Milan and Ganso probably the new fantasista, but we still need one senator to guide the new dudes.
A few more games to go and hopefuly the Scudetto that will be the launcher for a bright new season with exciting new players.....The question is Leonardo Non Vinci or Leonardo Da Perdi????
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Posted by Izzy on 04/20/2011
Of course Clarence will accept a role on the bench next season it's not like he was constant starter for us anyway. We had so many injuries we were forced to bring Clarence on for many of those games, and when we had Dinho it was always a better idea for Sir Clarence to play because he actually isn't defensively inept. Everyone will stay and those who think Binho should go are crazy, the man's workrate alone has opened up so many chances. He just needs to work on his finishing and he would Capocannoniere.
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Posted by Pars on 04/21/2011
Enjoy your articles! But, I do have a comment to make. Of all the ESPN Soccernet correspondents' blogs (yes, I skim through most of them to see what the general perception is like), you have the most followers (or, as it seems that way from the number of comments your viewers leave), but your updating intervals are very long. As a die-hard Milan fan, I attribute this to you not wanting to jinx the team's chances, but c'mon! LOL!
Also, no one has ever doubted Seedorf's class...give him time and space with the ball, and he will punish you! But, he should NOT be a starter next season!
Finally, is there any truth to this story? (Lavezzi to Milan)
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/ac-milan-table-major-offer-napoli-ace-lavezzi-1583381
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Posted by annalisa on 04/21/2011
Matteo never fails in providing entertainment and humour in his articles, great job as usual!
I'm really glad Seedorf's transformed into Seedorfinho rather than just being Slowdorf. Really impressed with his performance in recent weeks, I hope he keeps it up til the end of the season.
Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/22/2011
@Pars
I would never give anything written on tribal football much value. Lavezzi to Milan is one of the millions of rumors that site punches out of sensationalism. Unless I see it on ACMILAN's official site, or Gazzetta.it/Corriere.it, I won't believe it.
Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/22/2011
@Pars
Also if you notice my articles tend to be twice as long as most others. I try to go for quality rather than quantity, although I will update more regularly now..
One coming this weekend after Brescia game.
Forza Milan :)
Posted by Reynaldo Kansky on 11/25/2011
Hey mate! I quite agree with your opinion. I really respect what you’re writing here.
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About
Born and raised just a few kilometers away from The San Siro, Matteo Bonetti has been watching the Rossoneri ever since childhood. The passion was instilled by a family whose fanaticism for the team dates back to the early 1900's. Instead of bursting with an obscenity laden tirade, or turning any object around him into a projectile weapon after a disappointing Milan outing, Matteo can now channel his emotions into a more effective, and most importantly: safe, manner - writing on a global platform. He is a young journalist whose grandfather was the Vice President of Milan nearly four decades ago. E-mail him: themilanguy@gmail.com, and follow him on twitter: @TheMilanGuy
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