The winter break is always short — not nearly as long as the summer holidays. The source of thɪs content is NoveI[F]ire.net
In just half a month, only eight days had passed before Ancelotti issued the recall order.
On the ninth day, the entire AC Milan squad returned to the training base to prepare for the second half of the season.
But before that, Ancelotti arranged a friendly match.
January 9th, AC Milan traveled to Ukraine to play a friendly against Dynamo Kyiv.
And on the pitch appeared Shevchenko, Milan's former star striker.
"Long time no see, Andriy!"
"Good to see you again!"
Milan players warmly greeted Shevchenko.
Although it had only been a little over a season since his departure, it felt like a long time ago — perhaps because Suker's rise had been so overwhelming that people gradually forgot about him.
Still, seeing Shevchenko again brought genuine smiles to their faces.
"You better cheer up!"Gattuso gave Shevchenko a solid punch to the stomach.
Sheva doubled over but laughed heartily.
Since transferring to Chelsea, Shevchenko's form had steeply declined.
He was now benched more often than not.
Once the face of Serie A and Milan's undisputed center forward — now he couldn't even get minutes.
"How have you guys been doing?"
Shevchenko was genuinely happy to see his old teammates again — reminded of his glory days at Milan.
"Not bad,"Pippo Inzaghi smiled and shrugged — but refrained from asking about Sheva's situation, not wanting to make things awkward.Everyone knew Sheva wasn't doing well.
His smile faded briefly, tinged with helplessness.But he quickly pulled himself together.
Shevchenko wasn't just in Ukraine for the friendly match.He was also here to discuss a potential transfer or loan back to Milan.
Things at Chelsea weren't working out.That Portuguese madman (Mourinho) had no intention of using him.
Sheva wanted to return to Milan and restart his career.
He knew things would be very different this time, but he was determined to make that move.
Ancelotti walked over.
"Boss!"Shevchenko greeted him with a respectful handshake.
Ancelotti smiled and then pushed a young player forward — Pato.
"This young lad has great potential. I promised him a special gift."
Shevchenko looked slightly confused.
Suker, standing among the crowd, was in full "spectator mode."
When Ancelotti took out a brand-new AC Milan jersey, Suker nodded knowingly.
It was the #7 jersey — once Shevchenko's iconic number — now being handed over to Pato.
Shevchenko froze for a moment.The smile on his face became awkward.
He had come back hoping to return to Milan, but even before any formal discussions began, Ancelotti had already given his old jersey to someone else.
The air turned heavy with embarrassment.Everyone awkwardly tried to keep the conversation going.
Gattuso couldn't take it anymore and turned to Suker.
"Go up there and say something!"
"What am I? The mood manager?"Suker rolled his eyes."This is way too awkward."
Gattuso stared at Suker, eyes sparkling with mischief, before smacking him on the head.
Suker immediately slapped him back.
"You think I won't hit you back?!"
And just like that, the two of them started play-fighting.
The once-awkward atmosphere finally lightened up.
Afternoon — AC Milan vs Dynamo Kyiv friendly match.
Suker and Kaká both started on the bench.
If these two superstars played from the start, Kyiv wouldn't stand a chance.
Besides, this match was a gift to Pato.
Sitting on the bench, Suker grumbled:
"I joined Milan as the Champions League Golden Boot and didn't get this kind of reception!"
"Back then, Milan was at full strength. Try joining now — the boss would probably throw you a whole welcome festival."
Milan was struggling lately.
Back then, Pato had chosen AC Milan over Real Madrid and Ajax, so naturally the club wanted to give him more attention.
In the match, Suker and Kaká were subbed on in the 70th and 80th minutes, respectively —just to show their faces to the crowd.
But the real star was Pato.
His performance was outstanding — aggressive running, solid positioning, and no signs of unfamiliarity after half a season of preparation.
He even scored a goal, helping Milan defeat Kyiv 2–1.
Ancelotti was extremely pleased — already planning to give Pato Serie A appearances.
"How was it? How was it?"Pato was thrilled, punching the air."Wasn't my dribbling sick? I went straight through their defense!"
"Zero technique. You just relied on your physique."
Suker pointed at Kaká.
"When he was your age, he had even more explosive power."
"What do you mean 'when I was your age'? Am I old now?"
"You're born in '82, he's born in '89. That's a 7-year difference."
Suker held up seven fingers.
He used to be the young talent, then Suker arrived.Now there was 18-year-old Pato — suddenly, he felt old.
Evening — the team returned to the training base.
"The second half of the season is about to begin. First match is against Napoli.Don't let your guard down.Pato, be ready. I'll give you your debut in this match."
Ancelotti gave out instructions.Everyone nodded.
Napoli was not considered a strong opponent.
This southern team had risen to glory during the Maradona era — a time when they could stand shoulder to shoulder with the northern giants, even winning the Serie A title.
For Napoli fans, that era was a golden memory.
But after Maradona left, the team plummeted.
In 2004, they declared bankruptcy and were relegated.If not for film mogul Aurelio De Laurentiis buying the club, they might have kept sinking.
After a few years in the second division, Napoli finally made it back to Serie A last season.
But now, they no longer belonged at the top.
In the first half of the season, they were struggling to survive, just like the other newly promoted teams.
In the first-leg match, Milan had beaten them 2–0 away from home.
This time, playing at home — Milan was even more confident.
In the following days, Pato trained hard, eager to make his Serie A debut.
He'd waited half a year, and now the moment had finally come.
He was filled with excitement, not nervousness.
The perfect mix of big-game mentality and youthful fearlessness.
Pato was confident — he believed he could impress in his debut.
"There was this guy named Ricardo Oliveira on our team once.Your fellow countryman.Lasted one season, then went back to Brazil."
Suker tried to scare him.
But Pato didn't flinch at all.
"I'm not him. My dribbling is amazing."
"Don't cry when things go bad."
"They'll be the ones crying!"Pato raised his chin confidently.
"Be more humble!"Suker groaned.This cocky kid was getting on his nerves.
"Are you trying to encourage him or break his spirit?"Kaká laughed.
"I was trying to encourage him.But now?I want to see him cry."
"Won't be easy. Napoli isn't strong.And with his ability, he's ready for Serie A."
Pato had adapted quickly, and he wasn't a fraud like Oliveira.
With his physical attributes, Napoli making him cry seemed highly unlikely.