Theo Hernandez draws Maldini and Calabria comments on AC Milan exit | OneFootball

Some notable messages arrived for Theo Hernandez from former Milan figures Paolo Maldini and Davide Calabria, adding to the sensation his move to Al-Hilal was a rebuke of the current club leaders.

The left-back completed his transfer to the Saudi Pro League this afternoon for a reported fee of €20m plus bonuses.

With his farewell statement on Instagram, the France international aimed a broadside at his now former club, accusing them of going in the wrong direction.

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Rafael Leaoafter scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 14, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“My decision to leave was not easy. I always knew where I wanted to stay, and Milan was always my priority. But, unfortunately, not everything depends on one person.

“The direction taken by the club and some recent decisions do not reflect the values, nor the ambition that brought me here.  It is the moment to close a chapter and open another, different, but equally important for me.”

Maldini responds to Theo Hernandez message

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara of AC Milan look on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Theo Hernandez also specifically took time to thank Paolo Maldini “for his closeness, vision and leadership.”

The club legend and former director was sacked in June 2023 and rushed to thank the player for the message.

“Great Theo, we will miss you. I love you.”

The message on social media from ex-captain Calabria, who was sent to Bologna in January following a row with coach Sergio Conceicao, also hinted at problems behind the scenes.

“Ciao my brother, I am so happy to have shared many years in a team with you… You and I have gone through a lot together, I hoped this moment would never come.

“You remain the best and you deserve only the best. Nobody can ever cancel out what you have done and been for this team. I am sure that everyone will miss you. I love you!”

There were also comments on Theo Hernandez’s post from his current teammates, Mike Maignan thanking ‘my brother’ and Rafael Leao assuring ‘you have written your name in the history of this club!!!’

Christian Pulisic added ‘we love you bro’ and Matteo Gabbia noted ‘we’ll miss you.’