- Stefano Pioli to leave AC Milan at season's end.
- Pioli led Milan to 2022 Serie A title and 2023 Champions League semis.
- AC Milan thanks Pioli for his contributions.
- Olivier Giroud also departing AC Milan for LAFC.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is set to leave the club at the end of the current season, a year before his contract was due to expire. Pioli’s final match in charge will be Saturday’s Serie A fixture against Salernitana, marking the end of an era at the San Siro.
Pioli has been at the helm of AC Milan since 2019 and has had a remarkable tenure, guiding the team to their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2022. This achievement was a testament to his leadership and tactical acumen, and cemented his place in the hearts of Milan fans.
Despite a disappointing fourth-place finish the following season, the Milan board retained faith in Pioli after the team reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they were knocked out by local rivals Inter Milan. This showed the trust and confidence the club had in Pioli’s abilities.
This season, AC Milan are guaranteed to finish second in Serie A, but enter the final round of games 19 points behind champions Inter. While the team has not been able to replicate the success of the 2022 title win, Pioli’s contributions to the club cannot be overstated.
Pioli’s contract was originally set to expire in 2025, but both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the deal early. This decision allows Pioli to move on to new challenges and allows the club to begin a new chapter under a new manager.
AC Milan extended their “heartfelt thanks” to the 58-year-old Pioli, acknowledging his role in “re-establishing” the club as a European power. This recognition is a testament to the impact Pioli has had on the team and the club as a whole.
The club will now begin the search for a new manager to build on Pioli’s work and take the team forward. This will be a crucial appointment, as the new manager will be tasked with maintaining the high standards set by Pioli and pushing the team to even greater heights.
In addition to Pioli’s departure, striker Olivier Giroud will also be leaving AC Milan. The French international has played an instrumental role during Pioli’s tenure, contributing significantly to their Serie A title win and Champions League campaigns.
Giroud, who has been a key figure for Milan, is set to join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC in the United States. This move marks a new chapter in Giroud’s career, and he will be remembered fondly by Milan fans for his contributions to the team.
Giroud will play his final international tournament at Euro 2024 in Germany, representing France before embarking on his new adventure in MLS. This will be a fitting swansong for a player who has given so much to the club and the national team.
