AC Milan have appointed former Serbia boss Sinisa Mihajlovic as their new coach just hours after sacking a “bitterly disappointed” Filippo Inzaghi.
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The former Italy and Milan striker’s departure had been coming following the end of an underwhelming 10th-place finish in Serie A, 35 points behind champions Juventus, after only 13 wins last term.
Inzaghi thanked the fans for their support but couldn’t hide his anger at being shown the door.
First technical meeting at the Milanello for coach Mihajlovic and his staff! #weareacmilan pic.twitter.com/aqwqEs07ma
— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 16, 2015
“This completes an unforgettable experience that has enriched me from both a professional and personal point of view,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
“I thank Milan for giving me this great opportunity. I gave everything, together with my staff, working every day with passion, desire and extreme dedication. But unfortunately it was not enough and things did not go as we had all hoped.
“The bitterness and disappointment remains at not having the opportunity to continue but this is football. A hug and best of luck from my heart to all the players who have followed me in these months. Despite the problems they have always shown respect and professionalism.”
He added: “I also thank all the Rossoneri fans who, until the last moment, through the suffering were close to me.”
Mihajlovic played for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan during a 20-year senior career. Having retired while at Inter, he began his coaching career there as assistant to Roberto Mancini. He had brief spells in charge at Bologna, Catania and Fiorentina before he was appointed coach of Serbia in April 2012.
Mihajlovic joined Sampdoria in November 2013 and took them to 12th place that season, improving to seventh in the last campaign and a spot in the Europa League.
“Sinisa Mihajlovic, who has signed a two-year contract, will be the new coach of AC Milan for next season,” read a statement on the Rossoneri’s official website. “The club wish him good luck in his work and the best results.”
