In the previous season, he had been loaned out by Ancelotti to Lazio in exchange for Pancario. During the winter break, Galliani explicitly told Albertini, who still held some hopes in his heart, that "the current AC Milan doesn't have a position for you, Deme. Pirlo, Gatusso, all these young players are doing very well in your position. Moreover, we still have Kaka…"
Albertini finally decided something: perhaps he still did not know where he would be during the final moments of his professional career, but it was definitely not Saint Siro.
Just like that, in the freezing cold of winter, Albertini left Milanello alone and signed a new contract with Lazio—a contract for two years, with an annual salary of one million, two hundred and fifty pounds after taxation. From then on, he completely took off the red and black AC Milan jersey, changing into SS Lazio's blue eagle jersey.
