Pioli concludes Milan tenure with heartfelt speech: 'You put a fire in my heart'

After the game between AC Milan and Salernitana, during the ceremony on the pitch, Stefano Pioli spoke directly to the fans at San Siro. He thanked everyone, from the players to the fans, and ended with ‘you put a fire in my heart’. 

Milan confirmed the departure of Pioli on Friday morning and tonight’s game against Salernitana, being the last of the season, was thus also the manager’s last. Although the 3-3 result was not ideal, those leaving still got their beautiful farewell at the end.

Following the speeches of Simon Kjaer and Olivier Giroud, it was Pioli’s turn to step onto the San Siro pitch and speak directly to the fans. He made it clear that the Milan tenure is something he never will forget, having achieved so much in almost five years.

“It’s the evening of saying thanks, so I’ll start by thanking those who wanted me here, those who supported me, who gave me the opportunity to coach a fantastic club. Thanks to the owners, to the employees of Casa Milan and Milanello, thanks to my staff, who did a great job, and thanks to my players; you know what I think of you, you are special and certain things will remain.

“Then there is all of you [the fans]. There were so many of you, you encouraged us, you stimulated us, and you have an energy that we tried to put on the field. We lost together, we suffered together, we won and celebrated together. You put a fire in my heart and it will always remain lit: I will not forget you,” he stated as cited by MilanNews.

The 2023-24 season is now officially over, with Milan finishing in second place with 75 points. Pioli and the players would have liked more from the campaign, of course, but at least he and the departing players got the farewell they deserved.