Gattuso and Leonardo both out at Milan

Well, we all kind of knew this day was coming, at least for Gennaro Gattuso. And while it’s a tad disappointing, it’s not a surprise to see that Leonardo is also out at AC Milan.

Per the club’s official website:

AC Milan announces Gennaro Gattuso will leave his role as the Club’s First Team manager by mutual agreement with immediate effect.

The Club will now conduct a recruitment process for a new full-time Manager for the First Team, ahead of the ICC summer tour and the first seasonal matches of the 2019/20 domestic championship, the domestic cup and the UEFA Europa League.

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.

In addition to Gattuso leaving, it was also announced that the Sporting Director, Leonardo, was also leaving the club.

Again, per the club’s official website:

Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo (Leonardo) has today informed AC Milan of his decision to resign from his position of the Club’s Sporting Director with immediate effect. AC Milan has accepted his resignation.

The Club wishes to thank Leonardo for his important contributions in helping to take the Club forward into in a new era and wishes him all the best for his future career.

The Brazilian manager was appointed as AC Milan Sporting Director in July 2018, overseeing transfer market activities during his time with the Club. An announcement on the appointment of a new Sporting Director will be made in due course.

Leonardo didn’t have the best track record as Sporting Director of Milan, but it was far from the worst. He was vital towards getting Lucas Paquetà to come to Milan and it will serve Milan well to keep the pipeline coming from Brazil active.

Paolo Maldini is also reportedly said to be considering his future at the club. Gazidis has reportedly offered him more of a technical director role, with Gazidis being the one in charge of negotiations for new players. Maldini has forgotten more about defending than almost everyone else on the planet knows, so perhaps this is a good role for him, but it remains to be seen if he hangs around.

Anyway, it’s still a sad day to see a club legend leave, even if we all knew it was coming and was probably deserved. Forza Milan Rino, and may you land another job quickly.