5. Dedication and Loyalty
Sports are now dominated by big money. While team owners may truly love the game, football has simply become a hobby or toy for the elite to spend extra time and money. Players are also exhibiting similar attitudes. Rather than show respect or loyalty to a club or its fans, many players will hop around to several different teams throughout their playing careers. While I cant say that I blame the players for looking after their wallets, it makes many individuals yearn for a time when players stayed with one team for most, if not all of their career. Massimo Ambrosini is one of the last of his breed. He has played 489 games for Milan in 18 seasons. With the exception of a loan spell, Ambrosini has played most of his professional career in one squad. He has been with Milan since 1995. During his time, the midfielder has won 4 Serie A titles (under 4 different managers) and 2 Champions League trophies. Whenever he took the field, Ambro (as hes affectionately known by the Milan faithful) always put on his best performance. He ran as much as possible, he tackled when it was needed, he jumped as high as he could to win aerial balls, and he always left everything on the field. His work rate was second to none, and combined with Gennaro Gattuso, the midfield duo gave Milan a punch that few teams could match. Despite interest from rival teams including Juventus, Ambrosini stood by Milan. He displayed his dedication throughout the years with his rugged play and never say die attitude. After long-serving player Paolo Maldini retired in 2009, Ambrosini was promoted to captain. After 14 years of rising from a promising youngster to an established veteran, Ambro followed in the tradition of Milan greats Rivera, Baresi, and obviously Maldini to pay his dues and be rewarded with the iconic captaincy of AC Milan.