The relationship between a football club and its players often ends with a handshake, a few polite words of thanks, and a look ahead. However, for AC Milan, recent history suggests the final chapter isn`t always written so smoothly. The departure of French defender Theo Hernandez serves as the latest prominent example of a player leaving the San Siro only to publicly air grievances.
Theo Hernandez`s Pointed Farewell
Hernandez`s exit announcement began conventionally, expressing gratitude for “unforgettable years” and thanking teammates and fans. But the tone shifted dramatically as he stated, “Milan has always been 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 the ambition that brought me here.” He concluded by asserting he left “head held high,” a clear indication of underlying tension despite the polite facade.
This “venomous goodbye,” as it has been described, immediately divided the Milan fanbase, highlighting the impact of public statements during player transitions. But crucially, Hernandez`s experience is far from an isolated incident. Over the past fifteen years, a pattern has emerged of players leaving Milanello and subsequently expressing dissatisfaction, albeit in various ways and at different times post-departure.
A Recurring Theme: Players Who Vent Post-Milan
Theo Hernandez joins a list of notable players whose AC Milan tenures ended followed by less-than-ideal post-scripts. This group includes figures such as Massimo Ambrosini, Mario Balotelli, Riccardo Montolivo, Ricardo Rodriguez, Hakan Calhanoglu, Davide Calabria, and Alvaro Morata. While the specific reasons for their discontent or the manner in which they voiced it differed – sometimes immediate public comments, sometimes reflections shared years later – the common thread remains: a public divergence from the expected narrative of a harmonious parting.
The reasons behind these friction points are varied. They can stem from disagreements over contract renewals, perceived lack of respect regarding exit timing, issues with playing time, or fundamental differences in vision compared to the club`s management and direction. Regardless of the cause, these episodes underscore the complex dynamics at play when high-profile players move on from a club with the history and stature of AC Milan.
Ultimately, while thank-you notes and fond memories are standard practice, the history of recent AC Milan departures suggests that the period immediately following a player`s exit can sometimes involve an unofficial and rather candid public debrief, offering an unfiltered, and occasionally critical, perspective on their time at the club.