Mansion Sports - French left-back Theo Hernandez has officially ended his five-year tenure at AC Milan by signing with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. 

However, his departure was not solely marked by emotional farewells—it also carried a sharp and public rebuke of the current direction taken by the Rossoneri’s management.

In a candid and strongly worded statement posted on his personal Instagram account, the 26-year-old expressed profound disappointment with the decisions made by the club, stating they no longer align with the values and ambitions that originally convinced him to join Milan in 2019.

Theo still had one year remaining on his contract with Milan, but talks to extend his stay stalled due to disagreements over salary expectations. 

Milan reportedly refused to meet his demand for a significant raise, ultimately prompting the player to accept an offer from Al-Hilal—a proposal he had previously declined. 

The reported transfer deal is worth €25 million plus bonuses, and includes a lucrative annual salary of €20 million.

A Farewell Marked by Emotion and Disillusionment

In his heartfelt message, Theo opened by reminiscing about his arrival at San Siro. He recalled the excitement, ambition, and determination that had driven him to wear the historic red and black jersey.

“I arrived at Milan in 2019 full of dreams, hunger, and enthusiasm to wear a shirt steeped in history,” he wrote.

“Today, I leave after experiencing unforgettable moments—winning the Serie A, lifting the Supercoppa Italiana, and most importantly, sharing the dressing room with incredible people.”

Theo extended his gratitude to his teammates, the coaches he worked under, and, most notably, Paolo Maldini—the Milan legend who played a crucial role in bringing him to the club.

“My heartfelt thanks to all my teammates, to every coach who believed in me, and especially to Paolo Maldini for his closeness, vision, and leadership.”

This particular remark held significant weight. The phrase “every coach who believed in me” subtly alluded to the fact that not all managers during his time at Milan placed full trust in him.

His special mention of Maldini also spoke volumes, especially considering Maldini’s controversial dismissal in 2023—a decision many view as the beginning of Milan’s internal decline.

A Message to the Loyal Rossoneri Faithful

Theo also addressed Milan’s passionate supporters, thanking them for their unwavering loyalty through both triumphant and difficult times.

“Thank you as well to the Rossoneri fans, who were always there, in moments of joy and adversity.” 

“Feeling your support was an honor I’ll never forget. I will carry it in my heart forever.”

This tribute underscored his strong bond with the fanbase, which had long considered him one of the club’s most beloved figures.

A Blunt Critique of the Club’s Direction

The most striking section of Theo’s message came in its final paragraphs, where he delivered a pointed critique of the club’s recent leadership and strategic choices. He implied that the Milan he joined no longer exists in its current form.

“My decision to leave was not an easy one. I always knew where I wanted to be, and Milan was always my priority. But sadly, not everything depends on one individual.”

He went further with a sharper reflection:

“The path the club has chosen and some recent decisions do not reflect the values or ambitions that brought me here. It’s time to close this chapter and open a new one—different, but equally meaningful to me.”

Despite the bitterness in his tone, Theo closed with dignity and affection, reaffirming his emotional connection to the club.

“I leave with my head held high, because I always gave everything for this club, worked with dedication, and shared the same dream as the fans.”

“I leave with a full heart, and with hope that Milan will soon return to where they truly belong. Milan will always be a part of me. Forza Milan forever.”

A Departure That Reflects Deeper Tensions at San Siro

Theo Hernandez’s exit represents more than just the loss of a top-tier footballer; it is a revealing moment that casts a spotlight on the internal tension and strategic disarray currently facing AC Milan.

His criticism stands as a powerful message—not only to supporters, but to those at the helm of the club. As Milan enters a new era, the fallout from Theo’s departure may prompt deeper introspection into the vision and leadership guiding the Rossoneri forward.