Gattuso quits AC Milan

Gennaro Gattuso has announced he is to leave his position as head coach of AC Milan, although there is no confirmation from the club.

In an interview with Italian publication La Repubblica, Gattuso confirmed he is departing on good terms with Milan, despite the disappointing end to their campaign.

The club narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification this season.

“My decision to leave AC Milan’s bench has not been easy, but I had to make it,” Gattuso said, with the club expected to confirm the news later on Tuesday.

“It’s been a hard choice but one I put thought into. I have given up two years left on my contract because my history with this club will never be about money.”

Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi and Sampdoria boss Marco Giampaolo are two of the favourites to take over.

Gattuso – a two-time Serie A and Champions League winner with Milan as a player – replaced Vincenzo Montella in November 2017.

The former Italy midfielder’s promotion from Milan’s Primavera side sparked a resurgence, but the club still finished sixth in 2017-18, though they were Coppa Italia runners-up.

Gattuso’s first full season came after a change in ownership and the return of director Leonardo, who was forced to dismiss reports he was looking to appoint Antonio Conte.

Amid the external noise, Gattuso oversaw a 10-match unbeaten streak in Serie A as Milan threatened to leapfrog rivals Inter into third position and the automatic Champions League spots.