Every coach has their own trusted core of players, and clearly Ancelotti considered Suker and Kaká part of his inner circle.
The problem was, these two had minds of their own.
Suker had made up his mind early on. Kaká, meanwhile, was still in the hesitation stage.
Unlike Suker—who saw his time at Milan as only a transitional phase from the moment he arrived—Kaká held deep emotional ties to the club.
So, when it came time to make a decision, it was far more difficult for Kaká.
Still, no one was pressuring him.
Eventually, Kaká would come to terms with things on his own.
After all, now that he was back in form and less plagued by injury, with his career trajectory steadily rising, his tolerance for Milan's decline would naturally have a limit.
It was inevitable.
"Good morning!"
At Milan's training base.
After a one-day break, the players' mood had obviously improved. The atmosphere in the locker room was noticeably more upbeat.
Most of the talk had shifted toward the league.
"Roma's really breathing down our necks! Can't they give us a little breathing room?"
"Inter's got it worse. They've got Juventus at home this round. If they win, fine—but if they lose, they're screwed!"
"This is the first time I've ever cheered for Juventus!"
"Juve won't go easy on them…"
"None of those guys left on good terms!"
Indeed, Juventus was holding a grudge against Inter Milan.
Back when Ibrahimović and Vieira left Juve, they practically ran out the door after the club got relegated. That deeply stung the players who stayed.
Those who remained had fought side by side with Juventus all the way back from Serie B to the top flight.
So when facing their former teammates, there was definitely extra motivation.
Sure, leaving was understandable given the circumstances—but feelings aren't always rational.
They wouldn't say it out loud, but they'd definitely give 110% on the pitch.
"Let's just focus on our own match first. Udinese is currently eighth. No Champions League, no title hopes. Their motivation probably won't be too high."
"But they're exactly the kind of team that loves to be a pain in the ass."
"This isn't like the Champions League. Kaká and Ivan are eligible to play, and we've still got Suker!"
At the mention of Suker, smiles spread across their faces.
Suker had become Milan's biggest guarantee of victory.
His brilliant performances had helped Milan bag win after win.
Of course, aside from Suker, Pato was also showing promise as a rising star.
Veterans like Inzaghi and Nesta watched this new generation with a sense of nostalgia. Even though they were still playing, they felt the end of their careers creeping in.
Just then, the locker room door slowly opened.
Maldini walked in.
But to everyone's surprise, he wasn't alone—he was accompanied by club president Silvio Berlusconi.
Old Berlu smiled and waved his hand, signaling the players not to get up.
"Today is a special day…"
Hearing this opening, Suker frowned slightly, sensing something ominous.
"In 1987, I took over Milan—a club with a glorious history. It was during that time that I met a boy named Paolo Maldini. So talented, and so devoted to Milan. But every story has an ending."
At this point, everyone began to realize what was happening. Their expressions turned blank.
For many, Maldini's presence in the locker room was just a given. The idea of him retiring felt deeply unsettling.
Maldini stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Berlusconi.
"Thank you, Mr. President, for coming to the locker room in person to see me off."
He took a deep breath.
"Making this decision was painful. I've served Milan for nearly 24 years. My life, my soul, my everything seems branded with Milan."
"I've been honored to wear this shirt, but even more honored to have had so many like-minded teammates throughout my career."
"But it's time to say goodbye. The moment I tried to sprint and realized my legs couldn't carry me—I knew. I can't drag Milan down any longer."
Suker raised his hand.
Maldini chuckled warmly:
"Not today, troublemaker."
Suker sulkily put his hand down.
"It was a sudden decision, but I've decided to go through with it. This time, I finally mustered the courage to make the call—and I hope to have your blessings."
Maldini held out his hand.
"The next match will be my final appearance as Milan captain, and also my farewell match."
"And before I go, I want to leave you with a few words from my career."
"Sport should never be about winning and losing—it should begin with passion, with love, with being moved."
"Yes, competitive sports are cruel—but cruelty isn't the whole story."
"We all live within limits. But it's those limits that give struggle its value. Every success in sports is fueled by dreams. Our goal shouldn't be to defeat others—but to surpass ourselves and build our future selves."
While Maldini spoke, his eyes were locked on Suker, as if the words were directed specifically at him.
"The value of competition doesn't lie in beating the opponent—it lies in pushing human limits. And that kind of breakthrough only comes in the fiercest of battles!"
Maldini's retirement speech came as a shock—but not entirely unexpected.
He had hinted before that he was considering retirement, so the players were mentally somewhat prepared.
But with the Champions League and other competitions distracting them, they hadn't thought much about it.
Now that he had said it, it hit them hard.
The players headed out to train. Only Suker and Maldini remained in the locker room.
"Why not wait until the season's over?" Suker asked.
Maldini, organizing his locker, smiled:
"If I played out the whole season, I'd probably convince myself to go one more year."
"Then do it. One more year!" Suker said firmly."I'll still be at Milan next season!"
Maldini turned and looked at him.
"So, you've decided?"
Suker fell silent, then slowly nodded.
Maldini sighed.
He and Suker had agreed—if Suker planned to leave, he'd tell Maldini first.
Now, it seemed Suker had made that decision.
"What about the club?" Maldini asked.
"I'll talk to them after the season ends."
Maldini nodded.
"Best to do it early—let Milan prepare."
Then, half-jokingly, he asked:
"Any chance you might stay?"
Suker replied:
"If Serie A returns to the level and global influence of the 'Mini World Cup' days, then I'll stay."
Maldini gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
That… was impossible.
"Thanks for letting me know. I won't tell anyone before you talk to the club," Maldini said.
"Boss, I trust you!"
"Have you decided where you're going?"
"Right now, I'm leaning toward Real Madrid."
"Ah, Madrid…" Maldini said wistfully."If only Milan weren't in decline… Sigh. Madrid is a great choice. On the pitch, you'll find more success and more glory."
"Anyway, I'm retiring. That's not my concern anymore."
Suker was surprised.
"Aren't you joining the management team?"
Maldini paused for a moment, then smiled:
"I'll be heading to the U.S. to live for a while."
Clearly, his entry into Milan's management had not gone smoothly.
His long-standing conflict with Galliani remained unresolved.
Galliani didn't want a legendary captain with massive influence entering Milan's management—because that would weaken his control.
Still, Maldini would return someday. But this was the beginning of a temporary departure.
That night, AC Milan officially announced:
"Legendary captain Paolo Maldini will play his final match in the next round.After that game, he will retire from professional football—forever."
(End of chapter)