Milan Sack Chief Zvonimir Boban Following Media Outburst Against Club's Hierarchy
By Max Cooper
There's never a dull moment at AC Milan, is there?
The Italian giants have confirmed the sacking of Chief Football Officer Zvonimir Boban, after the former Rossoneri star criticised the club's hierarchy for making a series of poor decisions in a recent interview.
Boban arrived at San Siro at the start of the season, but there has been serious tension between himself and CEO Ivan Gazidis, with rumours swirling that the businessman is laying the foundations for the potential summer arrival of Ralf Rangnick as their new coach.
Boban spoke out against Gazidis' handling of the situation and openness in negotiating with Rangnick, but he paid the ultimate price on Saturday evening, as Milan confirmed his departure on the club's official website.
"AC Milan confirms that it has informed Zvonimir Boban of the termination of his contract as Chief Football Officer of the Club with immediate effect.
"The Club thanks Zvonimir for his service to the Club over the past nine months, and wishes him all the best for his future professional career.
"The Club will keep supporting Stefano Pioli and his first team in all areas and is optimistic looking ahead to the remaining games of the 2020 season.
"The Club's ambition remains to return to the top tier of European Football, while investing responsibly in the team in compliance with UEFA Financial Fair Play."
Milan's CEO Gazidis was the subject of Boban's frustrations during his interview, but that will matter little to the South African, who now hopes to recruit ex-RB Leipzig man Rangnick to be the coach and/or sporting director of the club. No confusion there then...
"We thank Zvone for his efforts over the past nine months and wish him well in his future endeavours. We must now turn our attention to football and the important games to come," said Gazidis.
"Stefano Pioli and his staff are doing an exceptional job growing the performances of the team every week and will have our full support as they continue this work, in what is a difficult time for the country."
It's likely that Pioli and chief Paolo Maldini will both be out of a job come the summer, as another revolution appears to be underway at San Siro. Buckle up everyone, this one might run and run.