AC Milan General Manager Umberto Gandini has left the club after 23 years with the Italian giants. Gandini has been with the club for years, seeing all the changes year after year.
There are reports that he could move to long term rivals AS Roma. The reports claim Gandini is the replacement for Roma Sporting Director Walter Sabatini.
According to the latest odds on Netbet Sabatini is poised to take over the same role at Milan when he leaves the Giallorossi, as the Chinese take-over means current Sporting Director Adriano Galliani would leave. The rotation seems more feasible with the resignation of Gandini.
An official statement was released that reads: “After 23 years at Milam, Umberto Gandini is leaving us. It is legitimate, dear Umberto, that the desire to gauge yourself in a different context has matured within you, but let it be known that you leave behind a huge regret and a lot of affection. “This is what, in addition to your undoubted professional values, will remain forever in the hearts of all of us.”
If the claims of joining Roma remain valid, it would likely be confirmed next week when the president James Pallotta arrives in the Eternal City. Gandini is the first Vice Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), and has been on the board of the body since 2008. He joined Milan in 1993, after previous experience in TV rights negotiation whilst working for Silvio Berlusconi’s firm – Mediaset group.
So far, €85 million has been received as part payment in the official takeover by Chinese investors – Sino-Europe Sports Investment Management Changxing Co. Ltd. The take-over is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A sum of €15 million was transferred during preliminary agreement in the first week of August.
Fininvest group (owned by Berlusconi) confirmed in a statement that a total sum of €100 million has been received. The payment means the over 30-year reign of Berlusconi is set to end.