Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim has been appointed as the new manager of AC Milan, taking on the challenge of restoring the seven-time European champions to the UEFA Champions League.
Amorim, 41, signed a two-year contract with the Serie A giants and is reportedly set to earn a net annual salary of €3.5 million. His appointment marks a return to management six months after his dismissal from Manchester United.
Speaking after his appointment, Amorim described the move as a career ambition.
“There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,” he said.
“I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world.”
The Portuguese coach earned widespread praise during his spell at Sporting CP but struggled to make a lasting impact at Manchester United. Following his departure, former United midfielder Michael Carrick guided the club back into next season’s Champions League.
Amorim arrives at Milan after a disappointing campaign that saw the Rossoneri miss out on Europe’s premier club competition. The club finished fifth in Serie A after a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari on the final day of the season, ending behind both AS Roma and Como 1907 in the race for Champions League qualification.
The disappointing finish sparked intense fan protests against owners RedBird and triggered a major shake-up at the club. Coach Massimiliano Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting directors Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada all left their positions.
Amorim’s immediate objective will be securing a top-four finish in Serie A and returning Milan to the Champions League, a competition the club has won seven times.
Reports in Italy suggest Allegri is now set to replace Antonio Conte at Napoli.
