Unfortunately it’s time to say farewell…

By: Francesco | February 24th, 2011

ARRIVEDERCI

Well, I don’t even know where to start really. Almost three years ago, I was handed the reigns of the Italy Offside and I was so excited to cover my religion (calcio) week-in, week-out. I had a blast writing about the calcio world we all love in these past three years, as well as interacting with you the readers, who made this blog so successful. I actually can’t believe 3 years went by this quick, I had to go back and look at my first post. Anyway, as time passed, I’ve just gotten busier and busier, and as many of you could probably tell, there were less and less posts popping up here on the Italy Offside. I just feel as if I can’t do my best for the Italy Offside at the moment, and for that I think it’s time for me to step aside and let someone new come in and bring the Italy Offside back to it’s glorious heights. So yeah, I’m resigning Ranieri-style mid-season. Now the club (The Offside) has to choose my successor. Which leads me to the next point: if anyone is interested in taking over my dictatorship, go ahead and nominate yourself in an email to ian [at] bootsnall.com. So, as much as this sucks, this is my last post here at the Italy Offside. It was a great three years.

I’d like to think I leave Baggio style to a standing ovation:

But if not, then I leave you with the wise words of a legend, Alberto Malesani:

Ciao guys and thanks for a great three years,
Francesco

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Tottigol

The %$^$^%$. NOOOOOOOOOO . Et tu Francesco. You taught me so much about Calcio without even your realizing it. This is truly a loss for those of us Calcio fans here on Offside. But, as with everything else, real life priorities will always have to come foremost. Whatever endeavors are taking you away from us, I can only wish you the best in them. But please don't stop coming. Please do participate atleast in the form of comments. I'm sure there are more people like me who look forward to every word of wisdom that you have to share.
Matteo [ASR]

Many thanks for the three years Francesco.
Your posts where always a pleasure to read.
Aneglo

Goodbye and thank you, you will be hard to replace! Good luck with your new adventures.
Gabriel Carvalho

Juve offside acting pathetic yet again, just because amauri has come back to haunt them and they wish he hadnt left coz iaquinta cant hit a barn door. I knew amauri would do well when he plays for fans who appreciate him instead of booing. Forza Amauri!!!
Ash

Hope to see you commenting on the Milan Offside more then...
Marco P.

Another one bites the dust... :( Blogging is hard work.

You will be missed Francè! Best of luck wherever you go.
agiamba

In bocca al lupo, Francesco. Enjoyed your work everyday, Nedved hate aside. :) It's been a hell of a 3 years, you should be proud.
Vincent

ciao buona fortuna
Nnahoj

I think your retirement would be more Maldini style, with a few jeers and you maybe having to flip someone the bird (as you know you've had your critics).

You get a standing "O" from me though.

All the best in life and such.
Fabriziopalombo

loved reading your posts hope to hear from you when we win the euro cup forza italia e forza roma
Mark A. Duckworth

Best of luck where you go, you will be missed.
Comrade

Damn.. it was great reading your comprehensive stuffs and more recently, Calcio Thoughts. Good luck!
Dumitru86

yeah, whoever takes over, needs to keep the calcio thoughts.
jorid22

Ma che cazzo di notizia e questa?! Mi ero abituato a ridere come uno scemo ai tuoi scherzi cazzo! Porca troia, ma che cazzo sara di questo blog adesso? Ma proprio cosi no eh! Ahime`, adesso dovro' leggere le cazzate di Julian piu frequentemente (just kidding Julian, you're a funny mofo lol).
Ma aiutatelo il Sig. Francesco cazzo! Pero il Sig. Francesco e una persona per bene, aiutatelo cazzo!

In all seriousness, good luck with all your other endeavors Francesco. I enjoyed your writing.
P.S: Move to Italy and take Caressa's job, please. Can't stand him anymore.
rosay

farewell francesco! it was great readin ur blogs! cazzo!!!
Julian

Another long term Offsider bites the dust, very sad to see. I always really enjoyed your posts Francesco. Whoever comes in next, a word of warning: you have massive shoes to fill!
mlisi39

Well done.
Pragathish

Noooo
Kabir

You can't leave cazzo!
PalermoAnthony

What a shame. I hope if you keep writing somewhere you let us know; you're a great writer with a great sense of humor. I hope you're still planning to introduce Erjon Bogdani to a chair :)
David C.

Good luck!!! Will you still be on twitter???
fsun

Where will I turn to for my Malesani cracks?
LorenzoRosanero

Ciccio...in culo alla balena!!!!!!!!!!

Ciao.........e benvenuto! ;)
Relz_02

You'll be missed, no doubt! Good luck with all your real-life endeavors.