Serie A giants Milan have parted ways with Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer after seven years. According to the club’s official statement, the 28-year-old leaves as a free agent.
“AC Milan can confirm the termination of Ismael Bennacer’s contract by mutual consent,” the statement read. “The Club would like to wish him all the best for the future.“
Bennacer joined Milan from Empoli in 2019 and made 137 Serie A appearances for the club, playing a pivotal role in their 2021/22 Scudetto triumph. However, recurring fitness problems derailed the diminutive star’s career, with his last match in the Rossoneri colors coming in 2024.
Indeed, Bennacer spent last season on loan at Dinamo Zagreb. It’s also worth noting that Milan loaned him out to Marseille for the 2024/25 campaign in a desperate attempt to reignite his career. Unfortunately, it only delayed the inevitable, with the Arsenal academy graduate now free to embark on a new chapter away from San Siro.
Bennacer refused to leave without saying goodbye.
“Hello, Milan fans. Last year I said goodbye to you without knowing that those words would take on the meaning of a farewell. No memory of these more than five years can be erased. I wore this jersey with pride, passion and determination, flanked by fantastic teammates and supported by your loyal affection.
“Winning the championship with this shirt will forever be one of the best moments of my career. Playing at San Siro, in front of you, was also one of the greatest honours. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has accompanied me on this journey: my teammates, the various staff, the club members and everyone who has made this experience so unique.
“A special thought goes to you, Rossoneri fans, whose affection and support will always remain in my heart. You are the ones who make Milan an extraordinary club. I hope that our paths can cross again, one way or another, because I feel that our story is not yet completely over. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, come on Milan forever.”
