Maldini had retired.He had served AC Milan for 24 years, and even though everyone knew the day would come, his sudden departure still left a sense of loss.
In the few days after retirement, Maldini still showed up frequently at the training ground.
His reason was to "sort out personal belongings," but everyone knew it was really because he couldn't bear to leave.He just wanted to stay a little longer, hold onto the feeling.
After gradually adjusting to retired life, he began to relax.
Maldini was a true Milan legend.
That infamous night in Istanbul once threatened to tarnish his legacy,but winning back-to-back Champions League titles afterward elevated his historical status once again.
In the Hall of Fame, his portrait occupies the highest place, which speaks volumes about his legacy.
After Maldini's departure, Milan went through a period of emotional adjustment.
Even though Maldini hadn't been involved in much of the team's training this season,his retirement was fundamentally different from merely not showing up.
For about a week after he left, the locker room was noticeably low-spirited.
And during this time, they faced Chelsea at home in the second leg of the Champions League.
Even though Gattuso returned from suspension,he alone couldn't stop the collapse of Milan's midfield.
Milan fought bravely until the very end,but still lost 2–1 to Chelsea, and were eliminated from the Champions League.
That defeat hurt deeply.Every team dreams of the Champions League—it's the goal of every season.
Having won the Champions League two years in a row, fans found it hard to accept this sudden fall.
But they could all feel it—Milan was declining rapidly.
Suker and Kaká could still carry the team on their backs…
But only in Serie A, where the overall level had dropped.
In the Champions League, Milan had lost competitiveness—that was the undeniable truth.
After the Champions League exit, Milan focused fully on renewing Suker and Kaká's contracts.
Kaká had two years left, Suker three.
But that didn't feel secure at all.
To convince them to stay, Galliani dipped into the club's reserves.
Under the proposed new contracts:
Suker would earn €10 million per year,
Kaká, €7 million per year.
That's top-tier salary.
But both refused to engage in renewal talks.No matter how Galliani tried to persuade them, they just kept dodging the topic.
Suker's attitude made Galliani suspicious—but he didn't press further.
At Suker's villa:
"€10 million a year? That's top salary in football!" said Kaká.
Suker turned his head:
"Zlatan Ibrahimović next door gets €12 million. That's a real top salary."
Suker understood—Milan's finances weren't great.Offering him €10 million was already their limit.
If Milan were still a competitive team, he might have accepted the offer.They could always renegotiate later.
But the problem was—Milan was on a downward path, with no signs of recovery.
Money was one issue.Glory and achievements were another.
If Milan couldn't offer either, why would Suker stay?
"There are two league matches left," Suker said."And one Coppa Italia final."
Luckily, Milan was still leading the Serie A standings.
In Round 36, Juventus had beaten Inter, putting Milan one point ahead at the top.
The remaining two matches were:
Torino (fighting relegation)
Empoli (already in the relegation zone)
Not particularly strong opponents.
As long as Milan played carefully, they had a great shot at the league title.
And on May 30, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, they would face Inter Milan again in the Coppa Italia final.
So both remaining challenges—Serie A and Coppa Italia—came down to a Milan derby.
Previously, the Coppa Italia final was two legs (home and away).But as Serie A declined and TV ratings dropped, the format was changed to a single-match final, to avoid fatigue and fan disinterest.
With only three matches remaining, and no more Champions League obligations, Milan now had extra time to rest and prepare.
Compared to struggling in the unpredictable Champions League,being knocked out early might have been a blessing in disguise.
Suddenly, Kaká said:
"I haven't seen Gisele in a while."
Suker rubbed his nose.
"We had… some issues."
"Arguments happen in relationships," Kaká smiled."Just calm down and talk it through."
Suker shook his head and sighed.
It wasn't that simple.
Gisele wanted marriage and children.
Suker could accept that.
He knew from their time together that Gisele was a good woman.
But the issue was—she wanted Suker to return to family life.
Yes.
She wanted him to step back from football for five years.
Gisele said she would quit her career and dedicate five years to the family. But after that, it would be Suker's turn.
Both were highly driven professionals.
This was the result of two strong-willed people falling in love.
No matter how they discussed it, they couldn't reach an agreement.
In the end, things were left hanging.
And if this problem couldn't be solved…Suker felt the relationship might be over.
As they chatted, the doorbell rang.
Kaká got up to answer it.
"Guess what I brought?" said Pato, raising a takeout box."Expensive French food! My treat today."
Kaká raised an eyebrow:
"Leftovers from your dinner with Barbara?"
"No way!" Pato declared."I'm Milan's third-highest earner now!"
Kaká rolled his eyes.
In his new contract, Pato had become the third-highest paid player on the team, after Suker and Kaká.
Despite only half a season, his performance had justified the salary.
"I got two sets just for today," Pato said, entering the house.
To be honest, Pato often freeloaded at Suker's place.Once or twice was fine, but over time, even though Suker didn't complain, Pato felt guilty.
He wasn't a kid anymore.
He knew that relationships required maintenance, not just taking advantage.
Suker had helped him a lot—and now, he wanted to repay the favor.
Of course, bringing food also meant he could continue mooching guilt-free.
At lunch, the three of them sat together.
Pato enthusiastically shared stories from his date:
"Barbara is such a kind person!We saw an old man singing on the street, and she gave him €200!"
Ah, love.
In the eyes of a love-struck fool, everything is amazing.
To Suker and Kaká, Barbara had no appeal—She wasn't attractive, and she talked too much.
At first, Suker thought Pato was just after Berlusconi's family connection.
But it turned out… he actually liked her.
Suker took a bite of foie gras and waved his fork:
"Focus on your game. That's what matters most."
"Barbara says that too," Pato smiled."She said if I want the President's approval, I need to work harder."
Suker blinked:
"Barbara said that?"
Pato nodded.
Suker laughed:
"I thought she was just a lovestruck airhead.Turns out they're a perfect match."
Kaká smiled:
"I noticed you haven't gone to bars lately. That's a good thing."
"Bars are boring," Pato frowned."So noisy and smoky. I really don't like it."
Cough! Cough! Cough!
Suker nearly choked on his water.
He wiped his mouth and looked at Pato in disbelief.
You're saying that?Bars are boring? Clubs are disgusting?
Do you even know how much of a party animal you'll become in the future?
Has Ronaldinho not taught you the ways yet?Or do you still not understand how to truly enjoy nightlife?