French star Theo Hernandez, the current left-back for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, has dropped a bombshell regarding the behind-the-scenes details of his departure from Italy’s AC Milan, revealing shocking details about how the club’s management treated him before his move to the Roshan Professional League in the summer of 2025.
In a fiery interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, Hernandez broke his long silence to respond to accusations of greed and prioritizing money over the AC Milan jersey. The player asserted that the narrative circulating among fans was misleading, emphasizing that his primary desire was to remain at the San Siro and continue making history with the club where he achieved global stardom.
Behind the scenes of betrayal and threats
The French international clarified that negotiations didn't stall due to exorbitant financial demands, as had been rumored, but rather because of a change in the club's policy. He stated, "My agent never told me the club was facing a crisis that prevented me from renewing my contract. I was surprised when a senior official told me bluntly: either leave or be left out of the squad and have my participation frozen." This direct threat proved to be the final straw, forcing the player to seek a way out that would preserve his dignity and his career.
The impact of Maldini's departure and the historical context
Theo Hernandez's departure cannot be separated from the turbulent administrative context that AC Milan has experienced in recent years, particularly since the dismissal of the legendary Paolo Maldini. Hernandez pointed out that Maldini's departure, who was the primary reason for bringing him from Real Madrid in 2019, marked a negative turning point within the dressing room. Maldini represented both technical and psychological stability for the players, and with his absence, the club's sporting project lost much of its luster and stability, which facilitated the decision of several star players to leave.
The Crescent Project and Future Challenges
On the other hand, Hernandez's move to Al-Hilal represents a strategic step in the player's career, aligning with the tremendous boom in sports in the Kingdom. The 2022 Club World Cup runner-up confirmed that he found a professional environment in Riyadh comparable to top European clubs, especially under the leadership of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, who is currently guiding the team.
Hernandez concluded his remarks by emphasizing that his choice of Al-Hilal was not merely an escape from the hell of Milan, but rather a well-considered decision to join a club with global ambitions. He pointed out that the positive atmosphere in Saudi Arabia helped him regain his mental balance after the difficult period he experienced in Italy, which was marked by some tension and red cards as a result of psychological pressures.
