It has been intriguing to watch the different reactions from around the world after the news broke that both Milan clubs are on the verge of deciding to leave the San Siro, with it also confirmed that the old ground will be demolished once their new stadium is built. Whilst this may not be breaking news to Inter or Milan fans, it has sprung a nasty surprise on the football world who have taken to any sort of platform they can find to voice their displeasure at this idea.

So why has there been such an emotional reaction from not only those in Milan but also the rest of the world?

– #ACMilan & #Inter are reportedly close to unveiling their plan for a new stadium which would see the #SanSiro demolished. pic.twitter.com/AivrIVNeLN

— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) March 27, 2019

Simply put, the San Siro is a stadium that football fans from around the world have a connection with, whether they have been to it or not. It was one of the first stadiums to ever be customised in the FIFA series and filled football lovers in the late 90s with uncontrolled excitement at the prospect of bringing the mystical San Siro into their homes.

On the other side and for those who have had the pleasure of going, whether it be to a game or a stadium tour, the pain comes from knowing that they may never be able to return to a place that brought out such raw emotion. It’s often been described as one of the cathedrals of European football, given its fabled past and iconic structure but, for those who make it their business to be there week in and week out, it’s a cathedral because football is their religion.

Part of the identity of the two giants in Milan has been propped up by the stadium they play in and there’s no doubt that they will definitely be losing a degree of that if they eventually do move into a new modern 60,000 seater stadium. It won’t be smooth going, however, with suggestions of a San Siro referendum to remain already being bandied about by irate fans and it’s very easy to sympathise with their fears.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen things like this happen and, once again, the less romantic side of football has reared its head to dictate the future. However, does it have to be this way?

A look at 12 stunning future stadiums that will lead clubs forward makes for interesting viewing with clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid deciding to renovate instead of move. In Madrid’s case, their upcoming renovation, which will cost in the region of £500million, doesn’t even allow for more seats but instead a futuristic look from the outside and a new retractable roof.

For Barcelona’s Nou Camp, they will up their capacity to 105,000 from what it is currently, 99,354. It seems these Spanish giants have found a way to preserve their history and safeguard their identity without having to modernise by moving into charmless Super Bowl like arenas. In fact, The Catalans are a leading example of how to stay competitive yet relevant; their Paddy Power odds of 10/3 to win the Champions League this season confirm that they are able to conquer the continent, whilst being able to return to the same home they’ve always had after doing so. It’s well worth remembering that modernising is meant to signal a new dawn of success but there’s no guarantee of it.

Curiously, the proposed new stadium for Inter and Milan is a good 20,000 seats fewer than the San Siro, which begs the question, other than playing in a modern stadium, what is the financial reasoning behind the move?

Imagine wanting to destroy this fantastic stadium. Wouldn’t change San Siro for anything in the world pic.twitter.com/HBSiRn60JI

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) March 10, 2019

These days, football is in a fight to keep its identity from being overrun by those who don’t have the game’s best interests at heart. More and more, the beautiful game finds itself consumed by the ceaseless turmoil of all decisions having to make just as much financial sense as they do footballing sense. The decision to move from the San Siro, as well as having it demolished, has struck a chord in the global football community with the general feeling being one of great pity, regret, and sadness.

That’s the way it’s headed sadly and, after 93 years, it looks like the unmistakable old icon of European football will have to make way for the flashy and new. Some may call it necessary but they probably aren’t the ones who have kept the stadium standing for close to a century.

The post Is Identity The Price Of Modernising? appeared first on Sempreinter.

from Sempreinter https://ift.tt/2V99gU0
via IFTTT visita: https://ift.tt/1VotyWY