AC Milan and head coach Gennaro Gattuso have parted ways by “mutual agreement” after the Serie A club missed out on Champions League qualification.
The 41-year-old AC Milan legend who played 468 matches for the club, had two years left on his contract but took the responsibility of the dismal run of the seven time European champions and stepped down.
“AC Milan announces Gennaro Gattuso will leave his role as the club’s first team manager by mutual agreement with immediate effect,” said the statement.
?⚫️After AC Milan parted ways with Gattuso, the Italian manager has renounced his contract which means he gave up €5.5 million, saying "My story with Milan can never be about money.”
What a man. Respect. ? pic.twitter.com/FrkoFArzDj
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) May 28, 2019
“A true Rossoneri (red and black) legend, 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 wishes to thank Gennaro Gattuso for his leadership during the last 18 months,” said a club statement.
Milan missed out on a place in next season’s Champions League by one point as they finished fifth after neighbors Inter Milan.
Official Statement: Gennaro Gattuso ➡️ https://t.co/IdsKHwFceH
Comunicato Ufficiale: Gennaro Gattuso ➡️ https://t.co/e3cMb9clW9 pic.twitter.com/596eyVQTbz
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 28, 2019
“I have had the privilege to get to know Rino Gattuso over the past six months since my arrival at the club,” said AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
“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.”
Milan also announced that its sporting director, former Brazil international Leonardo Araujo, had resigned.