Gennaro Gattuso, does the name ring a bell? The Italian, as a hybrid of the No. 6 and No. 8 positions in midfield, was probably the best this game has ever seen. Often known for his tenacity and immense aggression in the middle of the pitch, the former AC Milan star was harder than a stale baguette left out in the Milan sun.
He was a manager’s dream. Gattuso always served a greater purpose for his team, and especially the manager, as he gave all of his blood, sweat, and effort for the betterment of his team in every game he played. Often seen as a partner to Pirlo in that Milan and Italian midfield complement Pirlo’s technical style of play with his robust, aggressive, and tenacious play, the pair won all the major accolades at the club and international level.
Along with his tenacious tackling and work ethic, he was also known for his fiery personality. Gattuso had several famous on-pitch altercations. One notable incident was during a 2011 Champions League match, where he grabbed Tottenham’s assistant coach Joe Jordan by the throat, an iconic moment that highlighted his intense competitive nature. Gattuso’s temper was often on display, but his passion was equally admired.
Gattuso reached his peak, especially in the time period of 2003-2007, where he won two champions league titles (in 2003 and 2007) and a FIFA World Cup (in 2006) with Italy. This was the period where AC Milan had their very own Galactico era, with their squad stacked with footballing icons like Kaká, Ronaldinho, Pirlo, Thiago Silva, Clarence Seedorf, Cafu, Brazilian Ronaldo (in the 2006-07 season), Nesta, Mr. AC Milan, Paulo Maldini himself, and many more.
Even later after he retired, in his career as a coach, Gattuso has been consistent in terms of his principles of work ethic, covering the ground, and being a grafter for the team. As fierce and aggressive he was towards opponents when he played, one can say he’s the same in terms of expecting his own players to do the bare minimum, which is to leave each ounce of effort on the pitch.
After coaching clubs with the likes of Milan, Napoli, and many more, the Italian icon is now head coach at HNK Hajduk Split, who sit top of the table in the 1. HNL, which is the Croatian First League, the top tier in Croatian football. While some would describe his previous stints at Milan and Napoli to be rather unsuccessful, Gattuso is doing relatively well until now at his new club.
Well, then. It’s been established from the above context that Gennaro Gattuso hates tiki-taka football, fancy hairstyles, and probably yoga mats, but what’s got him so riled up about coconut water? Let’s crack open this mystery today.
Moment of the week: Gattuso’s intense altercation with well…, Coconut Water.
In a recent press conference of his club in the Croatian First League, the manager was caught sipping a bottle of coconut water, and what followed was the best reaction the internet could get.
The Milan legend was bemused at the very second; he gulped that drink, and let’s just say, his facial gestures and reaction have taken the internet by storm, making him an instant favourite among fans. Gattuso probably just wanted water, man, and he got surprised at the fact that it was coconut-flavored water. But the internet will meme when it wants to. So, as expected, the football fandom responded, and this is how they did.
Fans found the moment to be hysterical, with many relating to the ex-Milan midfielder’s reaction. Nobody likes flavoured water; let’s be real. Even if it has something healthy like coconut in it, when people want water, they just want water in its purest form, and that is what the Italian faithful and overall fans believe in.
This comes in light after Ronnie’s (Cristiano Ronaldo’s) recent war vs. Coca-Cola at the Euros sometime ago. “Drink water!” the Portuguese said in a press conference as he said no, to the aerated drink and promoted drinking water instead. This move caused an internet storm and was appreciated by many as a great marketing initiative to keep youngsters and people in general healthy.
Let’s be real: Gattuso might have been a midfield monster on the pitch, but even the toughest warriors have their kryptonite—and for him, that’s coconut water. Imagine a player known for tackling anything that moves, yet he draws the line at a refreshing drink! It just goes to show that even legends have quirks that make them relatable. So, while you sip on your coconut water, just remember: Gattuso would rather dive into a tackle than take a sip. That’s why we love him—true grit, hilarious contradictions, and a sprinkle of coconut-free chaos. Cheers to Gattuso, the man who tackles life head-on, one coconut at a time!