Milan CEO Gazidis has cancer, expects to make full recovery

AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis has been diagnosed with throat cancer, the club announced Tuesday.

The Serie A club said doctors expect the 56-year-old Gazidis to make a full recovery and that he will remain operational during his treatment.

A Milan statement on Tuesday confirmed: “AC Milan informs its fans and stakeholders that our CEO, Ivan Gazidis, has been diagnosed with a cancer of the throat.

“Based on an extensive series of tests and scans, doctors expect he will make a full recovery. Ivan will remain operational during the necessary treatment in specialized clinics, with the full support of the ownership, President Scaroni and the Club’s Senior Management.

“Everyone involved with the Club wishes Ivan all the best for a full and speedy recovery. We are all with you.”

Gazidis spent 10 years at the helm at Arsenal, before leaving the North London club in 2018 to join the Rossoneri.

During Gazidis’ 10 years at Arsenal, the Gunners won three FA Cup and three Community Shields.

Gazidis, who was born in Johannesburg but moved to Manchester at the age of four, is confident that he will be successful in defeating cancer.

"Of course, there is never a good time for a diagnosis of cancer. But I have a very curable form of cancer and a positive diagnosis," Gazidis said in the statement.

"I have world-class medical expertise, and the support of so many loved ones and everyone at the club, and I am confident based on all advice that the cancer will be treated successfully, with a full recovery.

“We have a strong team, both on and off the pitch – Ivan pointed out – and I have full faith in their ability to drive our Club forward over the coming weeks. See you soon and always Forza Milan.”

Gazidis joined Milan in December 2018 after occupying the same position at Arsenal in the 10 years prior.

Milan finished second in Serie A last season, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2013.