Ivan Gazidis declares AC Milan ‘literally saved my life’ after ex-Arsenal chief executive announces decision to leave Serie A champions

Ivan Gazidis has credited AC Milan for ‘literally saving his life’ after announcing his plans to leave the club.

The South African joined the Serie A champions as CEO in December 2018 after spending nine years as chief executive of Arsenal.

In almost four years at the club, Milan have credited Gazidis for “leading the club through a period of growth and modernisation both on and off the pitch.”

But after revealing his plans to leave the club, the 58-year-old has revealed exactly what the Italian giants mean to him in a lengthy statement.

Speaking to the AC Milan website, Gazidis said: “After four wonderful, challenging years I will be leaving Milan. I owe so much to this club, its people, its fans and to this city, that literally saved my life.

“If the club is in a better position now than when I arrived, it is entirely due to the work of those I have been surrounded with, from our ownership, to our chairman, our head coaches, their coaching staffs, our sporting directors, our players and every young boy or girl with dreams in our academies, our scouts, analysts, medical and support staff, our senior management team and all of the extraordinary people who live for and give everything they have for this club.

“I have been privileged to work with them all. I have no doubt that this foundation and the people we have in place in every position will take the club to new levels in the years ahead.”

He added: “Finally, I want say a personal thank you to our fans. Our fans have carried their club (and me) through some difficult times through their belief and their strength.

“I will hold in my heart forever the way they showed their support to me when I was not well. They deserve every good thing. I may leave the club, but the club will never leave me.”