Theo Hernandez during his time at AC Milan.
French international left-back Theo Hernandez has officially concluded his six-year tenure at AC Milan, marking his departure with a public statement that transcended the usual pleasantries of a farewell message. The dynamic defender`s next destination is Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
In a lengthy post shared on social media, Hernandez expressed his gratitude to his teammates and the Rossoneri faithful, acknowledging the privilege of their unwavering support through both triumphs and challenging periods. He specifically highlighted the pivotal role and guidance of former technical director Paolo Maldini, whose “closeness, vision, and leadership” were, by Hernandez`s account, instrumental during his impactful time at the San Siro.
However, the message contained a pointed and unambiguous critique directed towards the club`s current management structure. Hernandez stated, “The direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values nor the ambition that brought me here.” He elaborated that while AC Milan had always remained his priority, “not everything depends on a single person,” indicating a significant divergence in perspective between himself and the club`s hierarchy regarding strategy and future aspirations.
This public commentary from a player as central as Hernandez adds further weight to a narrative that has seen other key figures depart or reportedly express reservations about the club`s trajectory under its current ownership (RedBird Capital Partners). The club has recently undergone substantial changes in its technical leadership and coaching staff, coinciding with notable player sales that have been interpreted by many as prioritizing financial returns through a `player trading` model – moving players on for profit.
Hernandez maintained that he departs “with my head held high,” asserting he consistently gave his utmost for the club and leaves with a heart full of cherished memories, including the Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana triumphs. Yet, his decision to join Al Hilal, a club in a league rapidly ascending in global football stature primarily through significant financial investment, presents an interesting juxtaposition to his comments on ambition. It prompts a technical observation: is the ambition sought by players like Hernandez solely defined by competition at the very pinnacle of European football, or can the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, powered by immense resources and attracting top talent, represent a different, perhaps equally ambitious – albeit undeniably lucrative – frontier?
His departure, framed by these candid remarks, inevitably leaves the AC Milan fanbase and football observers questioning the internal dynamics and long-term vision of the club. While former and current teammates like Mike Maignan, Davide Calabria, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao publicly offered positive messages on his farewell post, the broader discourse among supporters, particularly online, reflects divided opinions. Some fans echo Hernandez`s sentiment regarding a perceived decline in the club`s ambition, while others question the timing or the sincerity of his critique given his move to a league often characterized by its financial incentives.
Ultimately, Theo Hernandez`s exit is more than a standard player transfer announcement. It functions as a public statement on the state of affairs at one of Italian football`s most storied institutions, delivered by a player who was, for a significant period, considered one of its brightest and most influential stars. The full ramifications of his departure and the nature of his comments remain subjects for further observation and debate, impacting both Milan`s immediate path forward and the ongoing conversation about ambition and finance in the modern football landscape.
