Photo: Liberali posts farewell message after rejecting Milan renewal – “Thanks for everything”

Mattia Liberali has published a farewell message to the AC Milan fans on his Instagram account, following his permanent transfer to Serie B side Catanzaro. 

Last week, the news broke that Catanzaro were one step away from securing Liberali on a permanent basis, and the move was made official last night. While a renewal never really seemed realistic, the youngster’s choice has surprised many.

In one of our latest Substack long reads, we dissected the 50% formula and what it means for Milan, more or less forced to accept the solution due to the renewal struggles. While the Rossoneri wanted to renew the contract, it’s also clear that they mishandled the situation.

Liberali’s message

On his Instagram last night, following the official statement, Liberali published a goodbye message to the fans. It’s a message that has been met with mixed reactions, seeing as the 18-year-old never opened up to a renewal.

“After more than 10 years together, it’s time to part ways. We’ve been through so much and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve given me. I came as just a kid, eager to play ball and have fun, and now I’m a grown and mature boy, who never gave up this will to live for football.

“By now, you’ve become an integral part of me, a second home, and over the years you’ve introduced me to people who have radically changed me for the better, as a football player but above all as a person.

“I thank you all for giving me a hand when I needed it most and supporting me day by day: I hope I left something for them as well.

“Certainly, a part of me will always carry all the experiences lived and people met in this big family. But now the time has come to say goodbye and to write a new chapter, in another family. Thanks for everything Milan,” he wrote.