Theo Hernandez`s six-year tenure at AC Milan has concluded, with the dynamic left-back completing a transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. His departure, however, is less a quiet adieu and more a punctuated statement, delivered via social media, revealing a significant rift between the player and the club`s current hierarchy.
In his farewell post, Hernandez expressed gratitude towards his teammates, the fans, and particularly Paolo Maldini, crediting the legendary director with the “proximity, vision, and leadership” that brought him to Milan in 2019. Yet, the core of his message was a pointed critique: “The direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values nor the ambition that brought me here,” he wrote. He stated that leaving wasn`t easy, Milan was always his priority, but “not everything depends on one person.” He departs “with my head held high” and “a full heart,” hoping Milan soon returns “to its rightful place.”
Hernandez arrived at Milan in 2019 and became a cornerstone of the side that won Serie A in 2022 and the Supercoppa Italiana. His explosive runs down the left flank and crucial goals made him a fan favorite and one of the world`s top players in his position. The reference to Maldini is significant, as the former technical director was dismissed in 2023, a move widely seen as a shift in the club`s strategy under the RedBird Capital ownership.
The club`s current operational model, often characterized by a focus on financial sustainability and “player trading”—buying low, developing, and selling high—appears to be the implicit target of Hernandez`s criticism regarding ambition and values. This strategy, while potentially sound financially, has led to the departure of key players and figures, creating a perception among some supporters and now seemingly players like Hernandez, that sporting glory has taken a backseat to balance sheets.
Hernandez`s strong words have naturally ignited debate among the Rossoneri faithful. Many lament his departure and echo his concerns about the club`s direction, viewing him as another talent leaving a club perceived as losing its identity. Paolo Maldini`s public response, a simple “Great Theo, we will miss you. I love you,” further validates this perspective for some. However, others highlight the apparent contradiction in Hernandez`s message: criticizing a lack of ambition while moving to the Saudi Pro League, a competition primarily known for offering astronomical salaries rather than being the pinnacle of global footballing competition. As some observers might dryly note, swapping San Siro for the desert sun, however financially lucrative, isn`t typically seen as a step up in sporting ambition.
Theo Hernandez`s exit underscores the current tension at AC Milan between financial objectives and sporting aspirations. His candid farewell serves as a stark reminder of the sentiment felt by some associated with the club – that the pursuit of profit may be overshadowing the values and hunger for success that once defined the Rossoneri. Whether this public airing of grievances will prompt any introspection from the club`s leadership remains to be seen, but for now, a chapter closes with a controversial footnote.
Murray Blackwood