Gattuso quits AC Milan after talks with Ivan Gazidis following flop Serie A season
GENNARO GATTUSO has left AC Milan by mutual consent with immediate affect following a disastrous season.
The Rossoneri finished 22 points behind Serie A winners Juventus down in fifth and missed out on Champions League qualification.
Speaking recently, Gattuso told Republica: “Deciding to leave Milan’s bench is not easy. But it’s a decision I had to make.
“There was not a precise moment in which I decided it: it was the sum of these 18 months as coach of a team that for me will never be like the others.
“Months that I lived with great passion, unforgettable months. It is a painful but thoughtful choice.
“Am I giving up a two-year contract? Yes, because my story with Milan can never be a question of money.”
Various media outlets in Italy reported that it was after talks with CEO and former Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis that led to him making the decision, while Leonardo has also resigned from his sporting director role.
Gazidis said in a statement: “I have had the privilege to get to know Rino Gattuso over the past six months since my arrival at the club.
“Rino has given everything to our efforts this season, and has worked tirelessly, always taking full responsibility, putting the club above every other consideration. I want to say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you Rino”.
While Milan said: “AC Milan announces Gennaro Gattuso will leave his role as the Club’s First Team manager by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
Because of my past, I feel great responsibility in coaching this club
Gennaro Gattuso
“AC Milan wishes to thank Gennaro Gattuso for his leadership during the last eighteen months. A true legend of the Rossoneri, Gennaro stepped into the role during what was a difficult period for the Club and has performed admirably, securing the Club’s highest League points total since 2012/13.
“AC Milan must now look to the future, whilst ensuring continuity, financial stability and sustainable growth.”
Italian website CalcioMercato is reporting that Gazidis “has already been in contact with other managers”.
Sampdoria boss Marco Giampaolo is believed to be one of the frontrunners to replace Gattuso, Sempre Milan have reported.
And former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s odds have drastically cut from 20/1 to 7/1 with Paddy Power following Gattuso’s announcement.
It would of course see him link up once again with Gazidis.
AC Milan missed out on Champions League qualification by ONE POINT, and the man himself revealed he had been feeling the pressure.
He said: “During this time, I haven’t slept much and mentally, I’m in pieces.
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“Because of my past, I feel great responsibility in coaching this club.”
AC Milan endured a bittersweet 3-2 win at SPAL in the last round of the Serie A, finishing the campaign outside the top four after their nearest rivals both booked their Champions League berths on Sunday.
The result left Milan fifth on 68 points, one behind third-placed Atalanta and fourth-placed city rivals Inter, meaning they will have to be content with the Europa League next season.