[Diabolico]

MILAN EMOTIONS FOR BILLY
5/19/2007 8:36:00 PM
Alessandro Costacurta received a standing ovation on his farewell match in Milan's last game of the season at the San Siro against Udinese

(BILLY COSTACURTA SALUTES THE SAN SIRO)

Milan lost their last home league game of the season but more importantly it was an opportunity for the San Siro to bid farewell to Billy Costacurta on his retirement from professional football and give the players who will be playing in the Champions League final in Athens the perfect send-off.

'The Professor' was visibly moved as he walked out before kick-off along with his young son Achille, but once the ceremonies were over it was down to action. Milan went behind to Gyan Asamoah's header on 10 minutes but the Rossoneri were level on 36 minutes when Yoann Gourcuff scored his first goal in Serie A. The French midfielder was on hand to finish off from close range after the ball rolled across the face of the goal.


(YOANN CELEBRATES HIS GOAL)

During the half-time interval, Ricky Kakà received the Silver Ball from USSI for his services to sport.

However, Costacurta's big moment was to come on 57 minutes when he slotted home a penalty following a tug on Gourcuff's shirt. Udinese had gone ahead once again, this time through Antonio Di Natale, but Billy was as cool as you like from the spot as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. That moment also heralded the opportunity for the public to stand and applaud the defender's services to the club down through the years. Coach Carlo Ancelotti also used the occasion to bring Billy off and there was a wonderful moment as the two embraced on the touchline.

Udinese spoilt the party somewhat, with the winner from Barreto but there was no getting away from the fact that it was Costacurta's day and there was another emotional moment at the final whistle when the stars who will take the pitch in Athens came on wearing Costacurta number five shirts.

(CIAO BILLY!)

A.C. Milan - MILAN EMOTIONS FOR BILLY