Jul 07
Breaking News: Oguchi Onyewu Signs With AC Milan *Updated With Quotes*
I didn’t see it coming. Milan kept quiet this whole time, but sprung up to sign the 27 year old when it counted. Oguchi Onyewu joins Milan on a Bosman Free-Transfer. Read on…
This move is simply fantastic. Gooch was looking for a high level league where he would be challenged day in and day out, and be able to compete for trophies. When no top tear teams from the big four leagues materialized initially, we all thought Gooch would join up with Ajax, the best of the bunch. It’s lucky he didn’t pull the trigger too early.
Charlie Davies when speaking to Paul Tenorio of the Washington Post had this to say about the move.
“It’s incredible, I mean I’m really happy for him and I think it opens a lot of doors for Americans. And he was able to break that barrier for Americans to be able to play at a big time club. I think a lot of guys coming up, younger guys, can have a dream that they can play for a team like Real Madrid or Barcelona because Gooch was able to break that barrier.”
Bob Bradley was excited as well.
“It’s one of the great clubs in the world and I think it’s a terrific opportunity for him and certainly the experience that he’ll get there I think will really be important as we move forward with our national team.”
Milan fans have been at the throat at Silvio Burlesconi for a while now concluding that there must be a change in transfer policy. Gooch’s signing was made all the easier considering the fact that he doesn’t count as one of the two non-eu players that can be signed a season due to his Belgian Passport.
I will say one note of caution. Italy is a tough place. There is a reason all of the stadiums have fences and there is every so often fans are killed. Italy is not for the thin skinned that’s for sure. He will need to adapt, and start off well. If he can do that, he has every chance of succeeding.
Milan have needed help in the back for a while. Paolo Malidini is no longer there, and Gooch should be able to slot right into the center of defense. This is simply a fantastic move. Ajax was great… but Milan is on a whole other level. He gets Champions League Football, and the chance to play in one of the World’s truly premier leagues. Well done Gooch.
Thoughts on the move? Dissapointed… Thrilled? Let’s hear it.
July 7th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
probably the best club he can start for. this is brilliant. loving it!
July 7th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
[...] Since I was in class when all of this broke, here are some links from every other blog that has covered it. Check them out to learn more about both. UF SoccerByIves: Onyewu, Bradley du Nord Goal TOW USMNT Blog Yankssoccer [...]
July 7th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I like it, huge club and he will actually play there couldn’t be a better situation. If he pans out like I think he will this will only help with other U.S. players getting recognition.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I’m worried though with how he will deal with the Italian way of life. I’ve lived in Italy, and the corruption, and violence that surrounds every day life, and certainly football is appalling. He will have to learn the language, and quickly earn the trust of the fans because if not, he will be out of favor quickly. We will see if he can adapt. If he can, this will be a great move for Americans in general. It will open doors to big clubs for younger players. If it doesn’t work out, then we are still at the same place.
July 8th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Agreed Max. So for me, whose passion is the USMNT, this is great it won’t hurt us in anyway and if he works he helps us tremendously.
August 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 am
Great articles & Nice a site