OFFICIAL: Gattuso and Leonardo terminate contracts at AC Milan

By Oliver Fisher -

Both Gennaro Gattuso and Leonardo have officially left AC Milan after terminating their respective contracts on Tuesday.

Speculation had been widespread that the Rossoneri are due a big summer shake-up following failure to finish in the top four this season, and the first two names to go have been confirmed.

The news regarding Gattuso broke on Monday evening, after Rino met with CEO Ivan Gazidis to discuss plans for the future, and the decision was confirmed. 

Gattuso released a statement confirming his departure from the club, describing it as a ‘painful decision’, and the termination of his contract has been finalised.

“The Club will now start a selection process for the new coach to whom to entrust the team in view of the summer tour of the ICC Tournament, the Serie A championship, the Italian Cup and the next edition of the UEFA Europa League,” a statement on acmilan.com reads.

“Milan thanks Gennaro Gattuso for leading the team in the last 18 months. Rino took over the leadership of the Club at a difficult time, improving the team’s performance and bringing the Club to the highest score in the standings from the 2012/13 season.

“AC Milan now looks to the future in the name of continuity, financial stability and sustainable growth.

Club CEO Ivan Gazidis commented: “I have had the privilege of getting to know Rino in these six months since my arrival at the Club.

“Rino has given his all in this season, bringing Milan to the highest score in the standings since 2012/13 season. He worked tirelessly, always taking on all the responsibilities, placing the Club above any other interest. From the bottom of my heart: thanks Rino.”

Meanwhile, Leonardo “informed AC Milan of his decision to resign from his position of the Club’s Sporting Director with immediate effect” on Tuesday, the club confirmed.

“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,” an official statement reads.

Gazidis said: “Leonardo joined AC Milan in its hour of need a few short weeks before the closing of the summer transfer window. Under very difficult circumstances he put his heart and soul into addressing a highly complicated situation and transmitting his energy and his ambition to the team. I am very grateful to Leonardo for everything he has contributed to our great Club and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Tags AC Milan Gennaro Gattuso Leonardo
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.