THE RED LINE

Herbert Kilpin died in Milano on October 22, 1916, at the age of 46. Exactly 110 years later, his AC Milan returns to his homeland. Bournemouth is just over 300 kilometers from Nottingham, the birthplace of the Rossoneri's founder. The connection between the two places runs deep. History whispers Kilpin's name and speaks of AC Milan, while the present brings them together once again on English football soil. Kilpin, the father of football in Milano, is believed to have died from either lung cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. Initially buried at Milano's Cimitero Maggiore, his remains were later relocated. On December 13, 2024, as the Club celebrated its 125th anniversary, he was officially laid to rest in the Famedio Crypt at Milano's Monumental Cemetery. AC Milan President Paolo Scaroni and Milano Mayor Giuseppe Sala attended the ceremony.

History will be woven into tonight's encounter at Dean Court, now known as Vitality Stadium. The Garibaldi red of Nottingham Forest, the cherry red of Bournemouth, inspired by the area surrounding the stadium. And finally, the red and black of the Rossoneri, the colors of the Devils that Herbert Kilpin dreamed of, envisioned, and brought to life in December 1899. Born into a humble family in Nottingham, Kilpin moved to Turin in 1891 to work in the textile industry. He brought with him a passion for football. He went on to play for AC Milan for several seasons, featuring as a defender, midfielder, and forward. He also helped the Club win its first three league titles, in 1901, 1906, and 1907. Tonight, 110 years to the day since his passing, his AC Milan takes to the field in Europe, in the country of his birth. Kilpin will surely be watching from above, with a front-row seat. Life may lead us down different paths, but history has a way of bringing us back together.

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