Departing Dida salutes Milan

(GSM) – Brazilian goalkeeper Dida has said goodbye to Milan with a moving statement on the club’s official website.

Dida’s spell at the club came to an end when his contract expired on June 30 and he wanted to say goodbye with a personal note.

“For the first time in 10 years, I can say that I am an ex-Rossonero. I wanted to wait until the end of my contract to give an affectionate salute to the Milan fans.

“You all stood by me and we shared both joy and pain, winning everything there was to win.

“A big thanks to President Silvio Berlusconi, Vice-President Adriano Galliani and director of sport Ariedo Braida. Without them I would never have had such a gratifying and wonderful experience, both on the field and off.

“I would like to thank so many people. All my teammates, directors and employees of Milan and the personnel at the Milanello training ground.

“I particularly wish to give a special salute to Carlo Ancelotti. He is the Coach who allowed me to play in this fantastic team and I spent a great deal of my Rossoneri career with him.

“Also William Vecchi, the goalkeeping coach who put up with me for all these years, and Valerio Fiori.

“Thank you from the heart and… Forza Milan!”