Pioli to Milan fans: ‘You lit a fire in my heart’ | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli was given one final rendition of ‘Pioli’s On Fire’ and referenced it in his farewell speech to Milan. ‘You lit a fire in my heart and I will never forget you.’

The coach was told this week he is not going to see out his contract until June 2025, so was given the opportunity to say goodbye in tonight’s final home game of the season, a 3-3 draw with Salernitana.

His players had already started the celebrations before kick-off, surprising their tactician, and repeatedly ran over to hug him during the match.

After the final whistle, Pioli, Olivier Giroud and Simon Kjaer were all presented with Milan jerseys signed by the squad and given the microphone to speak to the crowd.

Pioli says farewell to Milan

“It is the night for thanks, so I start by thanking those people who wanted me here and who supported me, who gave me the opportunity to coach a fantastic club. Thank you to the others, to all the employees of Casa Milan, of Milanello, my staff who worked so hard,” said Pioli.

“I thank my players, you know what I think of you, that you are special and certain things will remain.

“Then there are all of you. You pushed us on, motivated us, gave us the kind of energy we tried to put onto the pitch.”

His speech was interrupted by an impromptu rendition of the iconic Scudetto chant ‘Pioli’s On Fire,’ with the DJ joining in and the players throwing him into the air, microphone still in hand.

Pioli urged them to put him down, as he had not finished his speech to the supporters, which referenced that chant.

“I have to finish! We lost and suffered together. We won and rejoiced together. What we felt remains. You lit a fire in my heart, it will always remain lit and I will never forget you. Thank you.”