Ruben Amorim has been appointed head coach of AC Milan, where he will lead the Italian giants’ push to return to the UEFA Champions League.
The seven-time European champions confirmed his arrival on Monday, with Italian media reporting that the Portuguese coach has signed a two-year deal worth a net annual salary of €3.5 million ($4.06 million).
Speaking after his appointment, Amorim said coaching AC Milan had long been a personal ambition.
“There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,” he said.
“I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world.”
The 41-year-old returns to management six months after being dismissed by Manchester United, where he left with a year and a half remaining on his contract. The early termination reportedly cost the Premier League club £16.7 million ($22.4 million).
Amorim had built a strong reputation during his spell at Sporting Lisbon, but struggled to replicate that success in England. His departure from Old Trafford came after a disappointing tenure, with his successor Michael Carrick ultimately guiding United back into Champions League qualification.
At AC Milan, Amorim inherits a side under pressure to rebound after missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.
Milan suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari, finishing fifth behind Roma and surprise package Como, who secured the final two Champions League spots.
The setback triggered significant upheaval at the club, coming amid sustained supporter protests against American owners RedBird. It also contributed to the dismissal of head coach Massimiliano Allegri, alongside chief executive Giorgio Furlani and sporting directors Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada.
Allegri is now widely expected to take over at Napoli in the coming days following the departure of Antonio Conte.
Amorim’s immediate task will be to secure a top-four finish in Serie A and restore Milan to Europe’s elite competition.
AFP
