By Adegboyega Adeleye
Italian giants AC Milan have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, ending weeks of speculation following reports that the former Manchester United manager was set to take over at the San Siro.
Amorim replaces Massimiliano Allegri, who was dismissed after Milan failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
According to BBC Sport, the Portuguese coach has signed a two-year contract with the Rossoneri.
The 41-year-old returns to management five months after his departure from Manchester United, where he won 24 of his 63 matches in charge before being sacked in January. Reports in Italy suggest Amorim has agreed to forgo the final year of salary he was still owed by the Premier League club.
Confirming the appointment, AC Milan described Amorim as a coach who brings a “modern dominant tactical approach” to the team.
“There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,” Amorim said.
“I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world. It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm.”
Before his spell at Old Trafford, Amorim earned widespread acclaim at Sporting CP, leading the Portuguese club to two league titles and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most highly rated young managers.
His first match in charge of Milan will come during pre-season against Celtic on July 25, before an intriguing meeting with former club Manchester United in Wroclaw on August 15.
Milan will hope Amorim can restore the club to the top of Italian and European football after a disappointing campaign that ended without Champions League qualification.
