Date: 19th September 2018 at 6:00am
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Ivan Gazidis has revealed the reason he’s left his post as Arsenal chief executive.

The 54 year-old resigned on Tuesday to join AC Milan.

Gazidis, who has been the Gunners chief since 2009 oversaw plenty of change at the club.

Arsene Wenger’s former right-hand man was hired Unai Emery to replace the long-serving Gunners boss this summer.

His departure has triggered a number of moves with Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham now filling the gap left by Gazidis between them.

Sanllehi has been promoted from head of football relations to simply head of football, while Venkatesham will move from chief commercial officer to managing director.

In a statement on the Arsenal official website, Gazidis, who will start his new role in Italy on October 31 said leaving Arsenal was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make.

Gazidis was instrumental in Unai Emery’s recruitment

‘Change and succession is not only inevitable for a club like Arsenal, it is necessary if it is continually to keep moving forward. One of my primary responsibilities as chief executive has been to make sure that there is good succession planning in every position in the club, including my own.

‘Although it is very hard to do – the hardest decision of my life – 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. While this is the most difficult and challenging course for me, I am excited to see what the future holds for this great club.

‘After so many years at Major League Soccer and Arsenal, I am now looking forward to joining one of the world’s other great clubs, AC Milan, and working to restore it to its rightful place in football.

‘Until then, I will continue to devote absolutely all my energy until my last day to ensure an orderly transition for the benefit of Arsenal Football Club.’

 

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