Gilardino says goodbye and thank you to Genoa after dismissal | OneFootball

Alberto Gilardino has sent a message on social media following his surprise dismissal as coach of Genoa. ‘I want to thank everyone who believed in me.’

The tactician was sacked and today formally replaced by Patrick Vieira, who oversaw his first training session this afternoon.

The 2006 World Cup winner took to Instagram to send his message to the fans, players and staff at Marassi.

Gilardino salutes Genoa

GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 29: Alberto Gilardino, head coach of Genoa, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and Cagliari at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on April 29, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“Ciao GenoA!” he wrote, a reference to the fact he was on the bench when they were promoted from Serie B in 2023.

“I want to salute you and thank everyone who believed in me, as a coach and first of all as a man. Thank you to all the players who over these years experienced the long and exciting journey, to my two faithful allies Tano and Dario, and all of my staff.

“Thank you from the heart to all the people who work at the Pio centre with dedication and passion, constantly for the good of the team.

“Thank you to the entire population of Genoa supporters, tireless soul and pulsating heart of the Grifone, thank you for making me feel part of something unique and extraordinary.

“I will carry you in my heart, always. Gila.”

The 42-year-old had been initially their youth team coach in 2022 before being temporarily promoted to the senior role as caretaker in December 2022.

However, he impressed so much that he earned the job on a permanent basis and took Genoa to promotion from Serie B.

Last season, Gilardino helped secure their comfortable top flight status with a mid-table finish, but this term started badly after a succession of injuries and major player sales.

They had three wins, four draws and seven defeats between Serie A and the Coppa Italia when he was sacked.

Gilardino also represented Genoa as a player from 2012 to 2014.