Leonardo resigns as AC Milan sporting director
Leonardo has resigned as sporting director of AC Milan following the news that coach Gennaro Gattuso will also leave his post at the club.
Ex-Brazil international Leonardo Nascimento de Araújo has stepped down as sporting director of AC Milan, the Italian club has confirmed.
The news comes immediately after manager Gennaro Gattuso announced his resignation on Tuesday, following the club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
AC Milan grateful, says club CEO.
"Leonardo joined AC Milan in its hour of need a few short weeks before the closing of the summer transfer window,” said Ivan Gazidis, CEO of AC Milan.
“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".
Leonardo ends fourth spell at AC Milan
Leonardo had two stints as a player with the Rossoneri (1997-2001 and 2002-03) and returned as head coach for one season in 2009-10. He came back to the club for a fourth spell in the role of sporting director last summer but leaves again by mutual consent after a disappointing season.
During his one season at as head of the Milanese sporting direction, the 49-year-old oversaw the signings of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá from Flamenco and Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek from Genoa, both of whom have become key members of the squad