Theo Hernandez slams Milan after Al-Hilal move and insists Serie A club 'do not reflect the values, nor the ambition' that convinced him to move to San Siro

Hernandez’s future had been uncertain for months, especially as he entered the final year of his contract with the Rossoneri. Despite his desire to remain in Milan, negotiations for a renewal never gained traction. Reports indicate that club officials were unwilling to meet his salary demands, a move that effectively signalled the end of his time at San Siro.

While Atletico Madrid, his former club, initially showed strong interest, they failed to reach an agreement with Milan. That collapse in talks opened the door for Al-Hilal, who stepped in with an irresistible offer that Hernandez eventually accepted, reversing a prior decision to reject the Saudi side.

In his farewell note, Hernandez reflected on his journey with Milan, recounting the highs of winning the 2022 Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup. But alongside the gratitude was a noticeable tone of discontent.

He wrote: "After six years at this club, the time has come to say goodbye.
"I arrived at AC Milan in 2019 with dreams, desire, and the excitement of wearing a jersey steeped in history. Today I leave after experiencing unforgettable moments, such as winning Serie A and the Italian Super Cup, and above all, after sharing a locker room with extraordinary people.
"A heartfelt thank you to my teammates, to every coach who believed in me, and especially to Paolo Maldini, for his support, vision, and leadership. And thanks to the Rossoneri fans, who have always been there, in good times and bad. Feeling your support has been a privilege I will never forget and will always hold in my heart."

Hernandez’s statement painted a picture of a club losing its identity.

"My decision to leave was not an easy one," he said. "I always knew where I wanted to be, and AC Milan has always been my priority. But, unfortunately, not everything depends on one person. The direction the club has taken and some recent decisions do not reflect the values or ambition that brought me here. It's time to close one chapter and begin another—different, but equally important to me.
I leave with my head held high because I have always given everything for this club, committing myself fully and sharing the same dreams as these fans. I leave with a full heart and with the hope that AC Milan will soon return to the place it deserves. Milan will always be a part of me. Forza Milan Always.”

Now turning the page, Hernandez begins a new journey with Al-Hilal, where Simone Inzaghi, another familiar face from Italian football, will manage him. His debut for the Riyadh-based club is likely to come on August 20, when Al-Hilal face Al-Qadsiyah in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. He joins a star-studded squad that includes former Premier League talents such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.