MILAN: Ruben Amorim will lead AC Milan's bid to return to the Champions League after taking charge of the ailing seven-time European champions on Monday. Italian media reports indicate that Amorim will receive a net annual salary of 3.5 million euros ($4.06 million) over his two-year deal as he aims to revive the fortunes of one of Europe's most storied clubs.
Amorim's Ambitions
"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."
The Portuguese manager returns to coaching six months after being dismissed by Manchester United with a year-and-a-half left on his contract, a move that cost the Premier League giants £16.7 million ($22.4 million). He had previously attracted attention as a bright young coach at Sporting Lisbon but failed to make an impact at Old Trafford, leaving his replacement Michael Carrick to guide United into next season's Champions League.
Tasked with Top-Four Finish
The 41-year-old will be tasked with securing a top-four finish in Serie A next season after Milan missed out on Europe's top club competition on the final day of the past campaign. Milan suffered a shocking 2-1 home defeat against lowly Cagliari, ending up fifth behind Roma and wealthy upstarts Como, who claimed the final two Champions League spots.
That result, preceded and followed by loud supporter protests against American owners RedBird, led to the sacking of coach Massimiliano Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and the club's sporting directors Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada. Allegri is widely reported to be taking over at Napoli in the coming days following the departure of Antonio Conte.
