Theo Hernandez’s departure from AC Milan to Al Hilal has sparked controversy. The French international’s heartfelt farewell post took aim at Milan’s leadership, criticizing the club’s direction amid mounting fan protests.
Theo Hernandez Slams AC Milan Leadership as He Joins Al Hilal
In a move that surprised many, Theo Hernandez has officially left AC Milan to join Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. However, it wasn’t just a simple farewell for the French international. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Hernandez took a sharp jab at the Milanese club’s leadership, hinting that internal decisions were behind his departure.
Hernandez’s post reflected the frustration brewing within the club’s ranks. After enduring a tumultuous season in Serie A, where Milan finished a disappointing eighth, Hernandez made it clear that his decision to leave wasn’t taken lightly. The club’s ongoing struggles were compounded by protests from Milan fans, who had voiced their displeasure with the club’s American owners, RedBird Capital.
“Milan has always been my priority,” Hernandez began, before expressing his dissatisfaction with the club’s current direction. “But, unfortunately, not everything depends on one person.”
For Hernandez, the club’s trajectory no longer mirrored the ambition that had drawn him to Milan in the first place. Since his arrival in 2019 from Real Madrid, Hernandez had been one of Milan’s standout players, amassing 262 appearances and scoring 34 goals. During his tenure, he was part of a team that secured the Serie A title and lifted the Italian Super Cup. But as Milan faltered last season, so did his commitment to the project.
“The direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values or ambition that brought me here,” Hernandez continued, hinting at a deeper issue at the club’s core.
Milan’s Turmoil and the Search for Stability
AC Milan has been in a constant state of flux. The club went through an astounding three coaching changes last season, culminating in the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as the fourth manager. Such instability at the top, combined with questionable decisions from the RedBird ownership, clearly had a profound impact on the squad.
Hernandez’s comments didn’t just stop at Milan’s leadership. He also singled out former technical director Paolo Maldini, whose departure in June 2023 marked the end of an era at the club. Hernandez thanked Maldini for his mentorship and guidance, acknowledging the legendary defender’s influence during his time at Milan.
“I leave after experiencing unforgettable moments, such as winning Serie A and the Italian Super Cup, and especially after sharing the changing room with extraordinary people,” Hernandez wrote, paying tribute to the teammates he’d left behind.
The praise for Maldini was perhaps the most pointed part of Hernandez’s farewell, as it echoed the sentiment of many fans and former players who had expressed dismay over the club’s decision to part ways with the legendary figure.
A New Beginning at Al Hilal
While Hernandez’s exit from Milan was filled with frustration, his next chapter at Al Hilal promises a fresh start. The Saudi club has become a force to be reckoned with in world football, and the Frenchman will undoubtedly be hoping for a more stable and ambitious environment.
Despite the mixed emotions surrounding his departure, Hernandez made sure to thank Milan’s supporters, whose loyalty had remained unwavering throughout his time at the club. “Feeling your support was a privilege that I will never forget and will carry in my heart forever,” he said, marking a bittersweet end to his Milan journey.
In a final message of hope, Hernandez added, “I am leaving with my head held high. I leave with a full heart, and with the hope that very soon Milan will return to the place it deserves. Milan will always be a part of me.”
For many fans, Hernandez’s exit will be remembered not only for his on-field contributions but also for the way he made his departure a public critique of Milan’s current state. The question now remains: Can Milan find the stability they so desperately need, or will the club continue to drift in uncertain waters?
