Welcome Back Sheva…

When I heard the announcement of Sheva’s return to San Siro it did not make me jump for joy. Quite the opposite, I was confused and really disgusted in how the club’s management have been a complete embarrassment with their latest transfers in the last couple of seasons. Honestly, I have put in the past his decision to turn his back to the club and leave to Chelsea. He wanted to test the waters and realized it was way too cold for him to bear. After failing and becoming the biggest flop in the history of the English Premier League, he has come to the conclusion that he is nothing without Milan. Hmm… really it comes to no surprise that he wants to come back to the home that loved him and watched him grow to become the best in the world. We football fans are very fickle and forget easily of the mistakes as soon as a players starts scoring goals or simply with some fancy footwork. This is evident when we look at the recent case of Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer drama. He spent all summer looking for his exit out of Old Trafford, and when his mission failed he went out an proclaimed what an honor it is to play for the Red Devils. Fans ate it all up. I guess now were suppose to eat up Sheva’s return with comments like how his return to Milan is like winning a Champions League. But like I said it was his mistake and he can not be judged, after all he did it for his family and the need to learn English. Like many have said a tutor would have been much easier.

 Now returning to the root of the problem which I believe is the poison that is hurting the club. The heads over at Milan are a complete disgrace to such a grand club. This summer they have brought the best of the worst. Dinho did not play a whole season for Barca and had to leave through the back door, Zambrotta who was a disaster for Barcelona and in these pre season matches still has not been convincing , then we have Sheva who spent most of his time on bench with several injuries. In my opinion, Flamini has been the best purchase so far. Young and super talented is the type of player that Milan really need. The management has not thought of what Milan is in need of like a central defender or a goal keeper. There are many departments where Milan are still hurting in which players like Ronaldinho and Sheva do not cover. It gets old to repeat that Milan are ageing and need a bit of a nip and tuck but it seems as though this is not apparent to Galliani and co. They have brought to the club players that are on the decline of their careers and can only promise to give so much. So make some wishes kids, we have some falling stars at San Siro.

In the end, I only have the club’s best interest in mind and like always I want any player that joins Milan to be successful, including Sheva. While writing this post I have been looking over at videos of all the success that Sheva had while at Milan. Video after video the memories started flowing, and I will admit it gives me hope of what could be. The reality is that Sheva will never be the tremendous player that left his undeniable mark in Milan’s history but hopefully he can give his contribution to the club. So for now, welcome back Sheva… even though I would have left you to burn at Stamford Bridge.

The Pros and Cons of Sheva’s Return

      For the past week or so I have found myself discussing the issue about the “180% chance of Sheva’s return”, and how this could effect Milan. Many tifosi still feel wounded and bitter about his departure but there are also those who are yearning for his comeback. Whatever the feelings fans may have towards Sheva the question that is being asked is, ‘is he really what Milan needs now?’ Will it be a wise decision to bring him back or will this be another bad purchase? To Sheva or not to Sheva? That is the question.

     Lets start off with the pros. First, if there is any active striker that knows Italian football and better yet Milan’s football, it would have to be Shevchenko. He spent the majority of his stunning career at Milan so there would be no problem of adjusting. If Milan were to purchase another striker they run the risk of having another Oliviera, who never found his way in the style of football. Sheva knows the country, team, and players like the back of his hand. Secondly, it is important to not forget that for many years he made the Rossoneri fans happy with his goals. He clocked in about 200 goals while at the club. His goals would be just want Milan need right now, after all that is the department where Milan are suffering from. Next, many have suggested that Sheva could be a guiding figure for the young Pato and Paloschi. These inexperienced youngsters could learn a thing or two from Sheva. Finally, the weakest argument for his return would be that Milan can sign him for a cheap and reasonable price. They would be able to invest more on other players for other positions.
     Now lets move on to the negative sides of his signing. So far his time spent with Chelsea has been a complete disappointment. He is a shadow of his former self, as he has been plagued with injuries and a lack of consistency. I just reviewed the number of goals per game ratio and the numbers are not bad. Yet the problem has been that he has played few games and the ones he has taken part of and scored have been against lower ranking teams. The urgency of a striker is now and Sheva is not in form right now. The heads of Milan would be making the same mistake they made with Ronaldo. They cannot take chances to bring another player that is not in form and hope for his recuperation. With what some call the decline of the Milan dynasty, the idea of renovation is ever clearer. What is needed is young blood to rejuvenate the team. Furthermore, Sheva is 33 years old and many feel Milan are taking a step backward and not looking at the future. If Milan want change then Sheva might not be the answer. Lastly, does Sheva really fit in Milan’s scheme? Even Ancelotti stated that he would not be able to play in the current squad and that he is too similar to Pato (an argument I feel is weak as well). Some claim that the similarities are there and even go as far as to say that Pato is a much more complete player than Sheva.

     On the horizon his return is foreseeable and supporters of the Diavolo will have to accept it. It is clear Sheva wants to return to the arms of his old club and maybe redeem himself for his mistake. Wrong or right, we will just have to wait and see.