Legendary director to make surprise AC Milan after Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives green light for new role at Serie A side

According to Corriere dello Sport, Galliani could return to Milan as head of football, a role separate from current president Paolo Scaroni, who will continue representing the club at institutional levels and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) meetings. Galliani was convinced to return after meeting Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, following advice from CEO Giorgio Furlani, a strong admirer of his work. Ibrahimovic, a Galliani protege, has also endorsed the move to bring him back..

When Italian media mogul Silvio Berlusconi bought Milan in 1986, Galliani joined as his right hand man and CEO. Renowned for iconic signings such as Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko and even current RedBird advisor Ibrahimovic, Galliani served as Milan’s CEO for 31 years. During his tenure he built a dynasty winning 29 trophies including five Champions League titles and establishing Milan as one of the most successful clubs in the world. Galliani left in 2017 following Berlusconi’s sale of the club to Chinese investor Yonghong Li. 

In 2018 Galliani became CEO of Italian club Monza following Berlusconi’s purchase of the club. With Berlusconi’s passing in 2023, Fininvest are close to selling Monza to American fund Beckett Layne Ventures who will complete the purchase in September making Galliani a free agent.

Milan fans hope Galliani returns to the club, believing his experience could guide the relatively inexperienced management to make better decisions. For Galliani, it would be an emotional homecoming, as his 31 years at the club made him one of Italian football’s most recognisable figures.

Additional reporting by Lelio Donato.