A CROSS on the badge of Serie A giants AC Milan is inspired by Italian history rather than England’s St George.
The Rossoneri, who dominated Italian football in the 1990s, have boasted some of the world’s great players over the years such as Marco van Basten and Paolo Maldini.
The club’s badge has long held a fascination for England fans with what appeared to be a red St George’s Cross against a white background.
The club was founded by English ex-pat Herbert Kilpin, who arrived in the city in 1897.
Kilpin, from Nottingham, remains a cult figure for AC Milan’s fans and devoted Ultras.
Banners are some times visible in the Curva Sud section of the ground displaying cartoon images of their hero.
Kilpin, who racked up 23 appearances for Milan, retired in 1908 and died in 1916.
Kilpin’s English roots helped create the urban myth that the cross on the club’s famous jersey was that of St George.
But the club’s official website states the cross was inspired by Italian history – not St George.
The club’s website reads :” The cross is the oldest part; before being used on the English flag, the red cross on a white background was born here in Italy.
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“The Republic of Genova used it as their emblem and then it was chosen to represent the Carroccio, a symbol of the Milan commune, which was opposed to the imperial forces.
“Since its first appearance in 1160, the cross has been linked to Milan.
“The red represented nobility, the white represented the people – there was a unity between them in this emblem.
“Seven centuries later, this sense of unity was still alive in AC Milan fans’ hearts.
“The Club united aristocrats and “casciavìt” (the working classes) in a shared love for the Rossoneri.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
