#ONTHISDAY: NELSON DIDA TURNS 50

Nélson de Jesús da Silva and AC Milan, a winning combo. From his arrival in 1999 to famous heroic nights: the Brazilan goalkeeper, most widely-known as Dida, shared many memorable moments with the Rossoneri fans. On the day he turns 50, let's celebrate Nelson Dida's career in goal at AC Milan, looking back on his time that has made him a Club legend.

We were well into the summer transfer market campaign in 1999 when the Rossoneri bought a promising Brazilian shotstopper from Cruzeiro. Dida, born in Irarà in 1973, was 26 years old when he signed his forst contract with the Club. Before joining, though, Nelson was loaned out to Lugano and then Corinthians, experiences that gave him vital game time and maturity before returning in 2002.

2002, A NEW DEBUT
After making a few appearances between 2000 and 2001 - one in the league and six in the Champions League -, the Brazilian's real Rossoneri adventure began in the 2002/03 season. The right occasion to show off what he was capable of arrived early on in the season, specifically in the second half of the third qualifying round in the Champions League. It was 14 August 2002 and in the 46th minute, with the scoreline 0-0 between AC Milan and Slovan Liberec, an injury to Abbiati forced Ancelotti to make a sub and put the Brazilian in goal; Dida came on and showed his character. A goal from Inzaghi would decide the match at San Siro, while the number 12 turned out an impressive display to protect the 1-0 final result, that kicked off an epic year in the competition.

2003, DREAMS BECOME REALITY IN MANCHESTER
From his "new debut" in the European preliminary rounds to beyond, Dida won over everyone and became the Club's number one. Over the course of the 2002/03 season, the Rossoneri overcame every obstacle put in their way in reaching the Champions League Final in Manchester thanks to - out of many - a dominant display in the semi-final European derby with Inter. It was here where Dida entered the hearts of every milanista supporter. 28 May 2003, the all-Italian final between AC Milan and Juventus was deadlocked: it ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra-time, eventually going to penalties. AC Milan against Juventus also became Dida versus Buffon. Nelson stepped up to the plate and was decisive in the lottery that is a penalty shootout, keeping out Trezeguet, Zalayeta and Montero's spotkicks, while Shevchenko sent Buffon the wrong way to lift the trophy. The iconic celebration between Dida and the Ukrainian striker will forever be etched in the memories of all AC Milan supporters.

2004, ON TOP OF ITALY
After a fabulous 2003 with the European Cup, Coppa Italia and European Super Cup, 2004 brought Nelson and his teammates domestic success. The Serie A campaign that year was A-star, thanks mainly to a perfect, functional defensive unit: only 20 goals were conceded in 32 league games, confirming a golden year for Dida and the whole of AC Milan, who deservedly reigned Italy.

2007, FROM ATHENS TO YOKOHAMA
In 2007, it was all about Europe. The Rossoneri won the Champions League in Athens, following a perfect run that ended with the revenge win over Liverpool in the final, a European Super Cup victory in Monaco, getting past Seville 3-1, and the World Club Cup. Dida featured and played a starring role in every competition, and in Yokohama, when AC Milan beat Boca Juniors 4-2, the Brazilian became one of few players to win two World Club Cup editions with two different sides: Corinthians (2000) and AC Milan (2007).

2010, GOODBYE TO SAN SIRO
A clean sheet in a massive game was a fitting conclusion to end his Rossoneri career. On 15 May 2010, he played one last time at San Siro in the final game of the 2009/10 Serie A season: AC Milan v Juventus. It was everyone's chance to give their farewells to their goalkeeper, who would return to Brazil at the end of the season. The game ended 3-0 to AC Milan, with Antonini opening the scoring and a brace from Ronaldinho finishing it off, but it was Dida who was the star of the show, receiving a standing ovation as he waved goodbye following the game.

Dida ended his magnificent career wearing the Rossoneri jersey after nine seasons and 302 appearances. His trophy cabinet is full, too: one Scudetto (2003/04), one Coppa Italia (2002/03), one Supercoppa Italiana (2004), two Champions Leagues (2003, 2007), two European Super Cups (2003, 2007) and one World Club Cup (2007). He also had an outstanding career representing his country, winning 90 caps and a World Cup. Many happy returns, Nelson!