Theo Hernandez has been one of the key figures behind AC Milan’s return to top-tier European soccer in recent years, making his departure a sensitive subject among fans. Following his transfer to Al Hilal, Christian Pulisic’s former teammate took aim at Milan’s directors, blaming them as a major reason for his exit.
In another power move from Saudi Arabian soccer, Al Hilal signed the 27-year-old defender on a three-year deal worth just €25 million. After the move was made official, Hernandez posted a farewell message to Milan fans on Instagram:
“After six years at this club, the time has come to say goodbye. I arrived at Milan in 2019 with dreams, ambition, and the excitement of wearing a jersey full of history. Today, I leave after experiencing unforgettable moments—like winning Serie A and the Italian Super Cup—and, above all, after sharing the locker room with extraordinary people.”
After thanking the fans and club legend Paolo Maldini, Hernández used part of his post to explain why he chose to leave: “My decision to leave was not an easy one. I always knew where I wanted to be, and Milan was always my priority. But unfortunately, not everything depends on one person. The direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values or ambition that brought me here. It’s time to close one chapter and begin another—different, but just as meaningful to me.”
“I leave with my head held high, because I have always given everything for this club, committing myself fully and sharing the same dreams as this fanbase. I leave with a full heart and with the hope that Milan will soon return to the place it deserves. Forza Milan Sempre,” Hernandez concluded his message.
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Hernandez’s performances had drawn criticism in recent years as he struggled to maintain the same level of influence. Now, USMNT star Pulisic loses a key teammate, with the French left-back departing after 262 appearances in a Milan shirt, scoring 34 goals and providing 45 assists.
Major front office changes at Milan
Under Stefano Pioli, Milan returned to glory with a 2022 Scudetto title. But the club’s transformation truly began in August of that year, when RedBird Capital Partners took over ownership and launched a reshaping process that hasn’t pleased everyone involved.
The first major shift came with the exit of Paolo Maldini. The club legend had returned to Milan in 2018 as director of strategic development and was promoted to sporting director a year later. Under his leadership, Milan returned to the Champions League and won Serie A. But in June 2023, Maldini parted ways with the club after clashing with the new ownership group.
In his place, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has stepped into a senior advisory role with RedBird, acting as the liaison between the front office and the locker room. The ongoing shake-up at Milan—and Hernandez’s tribute to Maldini in his farewell—makes the defender’s departure another signal of a club in transition.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my teammates, to every coach who believed in me, and especially to Paolo Maldini for his support, vision, and leadership,” Hernandez wrote.
