The stress had been constructing for weeks. Santiago Gimenez, Milan’s $43 million January signing, went into the brand new season and not using a aim, his each miss including to the whispers that maybe his time at San Siro could be lower brief. Rumors swirled in the course of the summer season that he may very well be swapped for Roma’s Artem Dovbyk.
The striker, as soon as a fan favourite for his tireless operating and combating spirit, now confronted the toughest battle of his brief Italy profession: proving he belonged. And but, within the Coppa Italia in opposition to Lecce, Gimenez not solely broke his scoring drought but in addition despatched a sturdy seven-word message to Milan’s administration.
Massimiliano Allegri has constructed his managerial fame on understanding when to again his gamers. With Gimenez, he did precisely that. Regardless of a string of missed probabilities—19 photographs and not using a single aim this season—the Milan coach by no means wavered.
He fielded him constantly, praised him in press conferences, and made it clear to the dressing room that the Mexican striker nonetheless had his belief. Allegri knew that generally a single second, even a scrappy tap-in, may “unlock” a ahead and restore the boldness wanted to thrive. “I went shut many occasions, however the ball wouldn’t go in. For a striker, the aim is decisive. Now that the primary has arrived, I do know extra will observe,” Gimenez admitted after lastly discovering the web.
Towards Lecce, it appeared destined to be one other night time of frustration. Gimenez missed early alternatives, his nerves plain for all to see. However then got here the twenty fifth minute. Davide Bartesaghi delivered a cross that begged to be completed, and the striker made no mistake. His first aim of the season got here eventually—and San Siro erupted. It had been 137 days since his final aim, a brace in opposition to Bologna in Might. The discharge of strain was palpable. What had as soon as been a weight turned wings.
Message after troublesome summer season
The aim additionally carried symbolic weight. Over the summer season, Gimenez’s future appeared in limbo as Milan explored offers that may have shipped him out after only a handful of months on the membership. Roma, Brentford, and even Newcastle had been linked.
However by means of all of it, the striker stayed agency. “From the primary second I arrived, I felt fulfilled”. It was on this context that he lastly revealed his seven-word message: “I by no means considered leaving.” The phrases had been extra than simply aid after a aim—they had been a declaration of loyalty.
Above all, the Mexican reminded everybody of what the membership meant to him. “Thank God I’m right here, within the crew of my goals, the one I supported as a baby,” he stated with emotion after the match.
