Adriano Galliani Reportedly Announces Decision to Quit AC Milan

Adriano Galliani is soon to step down from his post as Milan's CEO after numerous Serie A sources confirmed that the long-term club figure has announced his imminent exit.

James Horncastle and Tancredi Palmeri were among those to break the news that Galliani would quit the position after Milan's final Champions League group game against Ajax in a fortnight:

UPDATE: Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:55 a.m. ET:

According to Football-Italia.net, Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has denied that Galliani is leaving the club:

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However, Berlusconi still spoke to Milan Channel and declared general manager Galliani “will stay in his position.

“The only reason I did not come to Milanello was due to the adverse weather conditions and I am disappointed.

“In any case, Milan go forward in a calm manner. Adriano Galliani is more relieved now, everyone is staying in their positions and Milan proceed in unity.

“I wanted to say these things directly to the media, but that is the basic gist of it. The club situation will not change. Galliani is relaxed after last night’s dinner at Arcore.”

 

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As Horncastle states, the news falls on the back of Erick Thohir's appointment as president of Milan rivals Inter, signifying a massive shift in the governing of the city's two giants.

Galliani has served as Milan CEO since 1986, and it was only in July of this year that the 69-year-old celebrated his 27-year anniversary with the Rossoneri.

During his time in the position, the Italian giants have won eight Serie A titles, five Champions League crowns, five UEFA Super Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup and six Italian Supercups.

The Rossoneri Blog posted this image to depict just how successful the club have been under their soon-to-depart CEO:

The Monza-born businessman is known for his intimate involvement in club matters, often taking a firsthand approach when it came to transfers in a bid to get the most financially efficient deal possible.

As FourFourTwo note, the club executive had a big influence in signing Mario Balotelli from Manchester City last January and finally got his wish after helping Kaka return to the San Siro after four years away.

In a way, it's a sour note on which Galliani leaves his club. After sparking a revival in the latter half of the 2012/13 campaign, Milan have once again slumped into depression this season and currently sit 13th in the Italian top flight, taking just 14 points from their first 13 outings.

Dec. 11 will mark the final game that Milan play with the veteran as their CEO, with no news yet available as to who will be replacing Galliani in the Milan hot seat.