“It was an honor to wear your colors again and be the captain of the third star shield.” Nicolò Melli and theOlimpia Milan they must say goodbye: the no agreement for renewal It’s the straw that broke the camel’s back in a relationship now compromised for months. And the cold statement of the club is proof of this: “Thank you Nicolò Melli, Olimpia wishes you the best. Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano and its owners thank Nicolò Melli for everything he has done for the Club in recent years, the individual records set, the three seasons closed with the conquest of the Scudetto, the memories that we will always share, and wish him and to the family the best possible for the future.”
A choice premeditated and made official in a climate of tension who did not make peace even after winning their 31st championship. Too little for second thoughts. L’incompatibility with Ettore Messina and the difficult coexistence (technical and charismatic) with Nikola Mirotic are just some of the reasons which they led Milan and his captain to take different roads. Love at first sight in 2010, abruptly interrupted and then savored again. But like all great loves, the passion and the reasons to continue together they end. And there isn’t always a happy ending.
From young starter to captain: the double life at Olimpia
“I I wanted come in Milan. It was the period in which I was taking my high school diploma. I had to study and at the same time meet the teams interested in me. But I wanted Milan. It is a city that has always been attractive to me.” Had been love at first sight in that distant time 2010. A child’s dream turns into reality. Melli was considered one of the most interesting and promising young players in Italian basketball. After the first successes and the many minutes gained, Melli makes an unpopular choice and decides to undertake an experience abroad – which sees him protagonist with the shirts of Bamberg And Fenerbahce – culminated with the two-year period in NBA to New Orleans And Dallas. Then, the return in style from captain And leader: “I’m happy to be back, I wouldn’t have expected it, you can’t predict certain things, the future, but I didn’t take it into account and I’m happy that it happened”. “I don’t think I’m a flag, but being an important piece in the history of a club, even just for appearances, is nice.” From the willingness to continue together in the summer of 2023 until great silence. And to the final farewell that led to the official separation.
The farewell and the rumors about the future
The epilogue of a partnership that got worse and worse, and in a short time. “Our relationship has sometimes been destructive”: Melli’s words towards the coach resonate clearly and prophetically Ettore Messina. They were troubled monthsespecially due to a disastrous European path from all points of view. Last summer’s choice to purchase Mirotic had represented a first alarm bell and a clear choice of Messina: the role of Melli on the pitch – and not only – would have changed. From popular (and number one) star to regular system player. Even in the locker rooms: the hierarchies have been rebuilt. Melli felt suffocated. Captain yes, but only on paper: the most representative player would become another. “Milan, I love you and I will love you forever!”. Not the goodbye he was expecting, perhaps. No celebration but just a few cold greetings. Olimpia starts again without thinking twice, Melli packs his bags which had already been ready for more than a few months. Maybe it wasn’t supposed to end like this. And now? There are rumors of an interest from Virtus BolognaOlimpia’s bitter rival, but also a sensational and unlikely attempt to Trapani, a very ambitious newly promoted player. Then there is the foreign track. We will see.
