Ivan Gazidis leaves Arsenal: Chief executive resigns to join AC Milan

Ivan Gazidis has left Arsenal to join AC Milan.

The Arsenal chief executive will leave his role on October 31 to take over the same role at the Italian giants from December 1, where he has been handed a significant increase on his £2.6million a year salary and an equity stake in Milan that could prove to be worth millions more.

Head of football relations Raul Sanllehi will take on a new role as head of football whilst Vinai Venkatesham will be managing director.

The role of chief executive remains unfilled but Josh Kroenke, son of majority owner Stan, is the strong favourite to be appointed. He said: “It has been a pleasure working with Ivan. We will miss the wisdom, insight and energy he brought to our club on a daily basis over the past decade.

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“We are confident we have outstanding people in Raul and Vinai, and we look forward to working with them and coach Unai Emery to continue to move the club forward on and off the pitch.”

Gazidis described choosing to move to Milan as “the hardest decision of my life”, adding: “I believe that, after 10 years, it is the right time for me to step aside to allow new leadership, energy and ideas to take the club forward into this exciting new era.

“I believe in the positive force of change, both for me and for the club. I am excited to see what the future holds for this great club and I am energised by a new personal challenge with AC Milan.”

Club chairman Sir Chips Keswick said: “Ivan has led Arsenal with skill and dedication and leaves us in a strong position. The club has been transformed and he has recruited talented people, such as Raul, Vinai and of course Unai Emery, who will take us to future success.”

Sanllehi joined Arsenal in February as head of football relations, a director of football role in all but name, and along with Gazidis and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat played a key role in the appointment of Unai Emery as Arsene Wenger’s successor.

The 49-year-old’s new role comes with confirmation that he will have overall responsibility for Arsenal’s football activities. He said: “Although I joined Arsenal just months ago, I've felt embraced by this great club and part of its family from the first day.

“I will do everything possible to maintain our strong values which will be as fundamental to our future as they have been in our past. Vinai and I will need everyone's help, to do everything right and secure the success everyone connected to Arsenal wants.

“It's with overwhelming pride and utmost excitement that I face this new opportunity.”

Venkatesham added: “It’s an honour to take up the position of managing director and lead the club alongside Raul.

“Together we will work tirelessly with the extraordinary staff we have at Arsenal to respect and enhance our unique history, heritage and values; with the overall objective to bring success to our millions of fans all around the world and make them proud of their club.”