AC Milan have officially announced the return of Leonardo, who left the club almost ten years ago.
The 48-year-old will be the general manager for the technical-sporting area, thus taking care of the transfer market. Here is the club’s long official statement on the matter.
“The new AC Milan course continues with the appointment of Leonardo De Araujo (“Leonardo”) as General Manager of the Technical-Sports Area, with immediate effect. A return full of emotions for Milan fans, as well as a professional graft of great experience and international standing that will strengthen the competitiveness of the team worldwide.
The history of Leonardo at AC Milan is unique, having contributed to some of the most significant successes of the club as a player, coach and manager. He will bring back to the club his experience gained in building one of the most important clubs in the world.
Leonardo began his career at Milan in 1997 as a player, and remained there for 5 seasons embellished by the 16th Scudetto, an Italian Cup, 124 games and 30 goals. Subsequently, Leonardo entered the managerial framework, first in the Milan Foundation and then as part of the technical area. In June 2009, he became coach of the first team, succeeding one of his mentors, Carlo Ancelotti.
Under a new leadership, after the recent change of ownership, the club’s primary objective is to return permanently to the elite of European football. The appointment of Leonardo as General Manager of the Technical-Sports Area marks a step forward in this direction and for greater success on the field. Further news regarding the composition of the club management team will be communicated later.
Paolo Scaroni, AC Milan’s Executive Chairman, said: “The return of Leonardo, the great Rossonero and world champion, to the club, is another step forward on the path to success. The appointment of Leonardo is also a further sign of Elliott’s commitment to add figures of international experience and standing, who know what it means to bring Milan back to its greatness. Leonardo will be in charge of the sports area, as well as the transfer market and – starting from this market window – will have all the necessary support he needs to strengthen and rationalize the team, within the UEFA Financial Fair Play rules.
A presentation press conference has been organized for Thursday 26 July at 16:30 CET at Casa Milan, via Aldo Rossi 8. TV channel on the channel “Milan TV”, and “live streaming” on Facebook (Italian language), Youtube (English language).”
