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M’Baye Niang’s young career has been plagued by controversies and inconsistent play, but his goal on Sunday not only proved his doubters wrong, it also showed a new maturity from the French international. Watch as he celebrates his goal with a memorable gesture to Riccardo Montolivo, Milan’s captain who is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury:
#Niang celebrates his golazo by holding up and kissing #Montolivo' shirt. #Milan captain sidelined for 6 mths with injury. #ChievoMilan pic.twitter.com/6fqpsX7rxA
— Lega Serie A (@SerieAchannel) October 16, 2016
The dedication came after scoring this beautiful goal in the second half against Chievo to put Milan up 2-0:
GOOOLAAAZOOOOOO number 2!!!!! 2-0 #Niang.#ChievoMilan pic.twitter.com/HdZMfSCyJu
— Lega Serie A (@SerieAchannel) October 16, 2016
Milan’s captain Montolivo has been under fan scrutiny ever since it became clear he was not “the next Pirlo”, and, although he gives his all for the club, fans still love to hate him as he's never reached his perceived potential. With the Rossoneri players often turning on one another in the face of constant coaching changes, Niang’s gesture shows that the team truly believes in one another now — Vincenzo Montella’s project is finally one they believe in.
After making his professional debut at just 16, Niang’s progression seemed to have slowed as his finishing did not keep up with the rest of his game. Until recently, it looked as if the talented youngster might follow in the footsteps of the infamous Mario Balotelli, his striking predecesor at Milan.
Niang drove without a license in 2013, was involved in a hit and run in 2014 that resulted in a suspended 18 month sentence and had another driving accident in March of 2016. The combination of his inconsistency and recklessness led to back to back loans, however, his return to the first team last fall signalled an upturn in form.
In his seven games this season, Niang has bagged three goals and two assists with ten chances created. The young French star is becoming more and more important to Montella’s new Milan side. His selfless celebration is an indication that the 2016-2017 Milan side has turned a corner under new ownership.
