Gennaro Gattuso confirms Milan departure

Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed he is leaving his role as manager of Milan despite having two years left on his contract.

"Deciding to leave Milan's bench is not easy but it's a decision I had to make," he said, as translated by the Guardian. "There was not a precise moment in which I decided, it was the sum of these 18 months as coach of a team that for me will never be like the others. Months that I lived with great passion, unforgettable months.

"Mine is a painful but thoughtful choice. Am I giving up a two-year contract? Yes, because my story with Milan can never be a question of money."

Milan acknowledged Gattuso's departure and said the search for a new manager is already underway.

"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," Milan said in a statement.

"AC Milan wishes to thank Gennaro Gattuso for his leadership during the last 18 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."

News of Gattuso's departure comes just days after Milan failed to secure a Champions League spot despite ending the season on a winning note against SPAL.

The former Milan midfielder took charge of the club in 2017 and guided it to its best league finish since 2013 when it ended this past term in fifth place.