Ivan Gazidis has credited AC Milan with ‘literally saving his life’ after announcing his intention to leave the club.
The South African joined the Serie A champions as CEO in December 2018 after spending nine years as Arsenal chief executive.
In nearly four years at the club, Milan credited Gazidis with “steering the club through a period of growth and modernization both on and off the pitch”.
But after revealing his intention to leave the club, the 58-year-old revealed exactly what the Italian giants mean to him in a lengthy statement.
Speaking to AC Milan’s website, Gazidis said: “After four wonderful and difficult years, I will be leaving Milan. I owe so much to this club, to its people, to its fans and to this city, which gave me literally saved my life.
“If the club is in a better position now than when I arrived, it is entirely thanks to the work of those I have been surrounded by, from our ownership to our chairman, our head coaches, their coaching teams, our sporting directors, our players and every young boy or girl with dreams in our academies, our scouts, analysts, medical and support staff, our management team and all the amazing people who live and give their all this club.
“I had the privilege of working with all of them. I have no doubt that this foundation and the people we have in place in every position will take the club to new levels in the years to come. »
He added: “Finally, I want to say a personal thank you to our fans. Our supporters carried their club (and me) through difficult times with their conviction and strength.
“I will forever hold in my heart how they showed me their support when I was not well. They deserve all the good things. I might leave the club, but the club will never leave me.
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