After a six-year tenure marked by electrifying performances and a memorable Scudetto triumph, Theo Hernandez has concluded his time at AC Milan. His anticipated transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal was accompanied by a notable public statement, offering a less-than-subtle critique of the club`s present path.
In a message shared widely, the French international extended his gratitude to his teammates and the loyal Rossoneri supporters. He reflected on the “unforgettable moments,” including the Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana victories, cherishing the privilege of feeling the fans` support. A significant point of emphasis was his appreciation for former technical director Paolo Maldini, lauded for his “closeness, vision, and leadership” – an acknowledgement that resonates particularly given Maldini`s own controversial departure from the club.
However, the core of Hernandez`s statement delivered a direct challenge to the club`s current operational philosophy. While affirming that Milan was always his priority, he added that “not everything depends on a single person.” More tellingly, he declared that “the direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values nor the ambition that brought me here.” This suggests a perceived divergence between the club`s current objectives and the high aspirations that initially attracted him to Milan.
Hernandez stated he leaves “with my head held high,” asserting that he “always gave my best.” His parting words included a hope that AC Milan will “very soon return to the place it deserves.” This sentiment aligns with concerns voiced by some segments of the fanbase who feel the club`s focus, particularly under recent ownership, has shifted away from pure sporting conquest towards a more financially oriented model, sometimes characterized plainly, perhaps cynically, as `player trading`.
The timing and nature of Hernandez`s exit, underscored by his public comments, add a layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding AC Milan`s trajectory since key figures like Maldini departed the management structure and the league title was secured. While the financial incentives of a move to Al Hilal are undeniably significant, posing a potential counterpoint to a stated desire for “ambition,” his words nonetheless articulate a frustration regarding the internal direction of the club he represented since 2019. The digital sphere, naturally, has become a stage for varied reactions, debating the validity of his criticisms versus evaluations of his own recent performance on the pitch.
Ultimately, Theo Hernandez`s departure is not just a transfer; it`s a statement. It highlights perceived tensions within the Rossoneri framework and leaves observers contemplating what the future holds for a club striving to balance historical prestige with contemporary financial realities and evolving ambitions.
