Ignazio Abate wrote an emotional goodbye to fans after 10 years at San Siro. “Everyone knows it would’ve been my dream to end my career with Milan.”
The 32-year-old full-back has played his final game in the Rossoneri jersey, as the club decided not to offer him a new contract.
“If I think back to the first time I wore these colours, I still get emotional…” wrote Abate on Instagram.
Ignazio Abate wrote an emotional goodbye to fans after 10 years at San Siro. “Everyone knows it would’ve been my dream to end my career with Milan.”
The 32-year-old full-back has played his final game in the Rossoneri jersey, as the club decided not to offer him a new contract.
“If I think back to the first time I wore these colours, I still get emotional…” wrote Abate on Instagram.
“I was just a kid then and thanks to this club, I have become a man. Milan is not just a team, Milan is a style of life and you perceive that only when you experience it for yourself… class, history, tradition, elegance.
“There were champions at Milan that I fantasised about when I was a child, there were trophies that shone in the history of football, there was a world that I could see from the outside and dreamed to be a part of!
“Life gave me 10 unforgettable years in the Rossoneri shirt. Today I look back and can’t help but consider myself fortunate to have grown up with some real champions from whom I learned discipline, tenacity, the responsibility of wearing such a prestigious jersey.
“Everyone knows it would’ve been my dream to end my career with Milan, but at times dreams come true and at others they remain just locked inside your heart.
“Thank you to AC Milan, to all the employees I met over the years, fantastic people at the disposal of the squad and club.
“Thank you to all the Coaches I worked with, because I learned from all of them and considered their teachings to be precious.
“Thanks above all to my teammates, current and former, many of whom I am proud to call ‘friends.’
“I want to give a special mention to (former Milan CEO) Adriano Galliani, who always believed in me and was by my side even during difficult moments.
“And to Rino Gattuso, who represents, as I’ve said since I was a kid, the example that anyone in our profession should aspire to.
“The biggest thanks, obviously, goes to YOU… my fans! You who cheered me on, at times criticised, but above all cared, loved and appreciated me as a man even before the athlete.
“Seeing you there, almost 70,000, standing and applauding as they shouted me name, gave me emotions that will remain indelible in my heart!
“Seeing that banner in the Curva Sud and being considered one of YOU is a privilege that fills me with pride!
“With Milan in my heart… since forever, now and forever more!!!”
GRAZIE…. @acmilan pic.twitter.com/ce3FEIWGmE
— Ignazio Abate (@ignazioabate) May 29, 2019