Ruben Amorim has issued an apology to Manchester United supporters for failing to bid farewell six months after his dismissal. The Portuguese manager departed Old Trafford in January following a frustrating 18-month tenure in charge.
Amorim, 41, had been without a role since then before being appointed by Italian powerhouses AC Milan. He was formally presented by his new club on Wednesday and addressed his spell with the Red Devils, even feeling obliged to apologise for his departure.
Amorim's Apology to United Fans
Speaking at his unveiling, Amorim said: "The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes. I didn't have opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year."
Amorim also reflected on his time at United, admitting he made errors during his tenure. He emphasised his pride in having coached the club, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his exit.
New Challenge at AC Milan
Discussing his new position, Amorim added: "It's an honour to be here [at AC Milan]. I'm so happy. I can feel that here people feel the club. I love Milanello, I think the place has history, it's quiet."
He continued: "People say that it is old. I love that kind of old, everything is there. I love the staff. I feel at home." Amorim also expressed personal attachment to the club: "I follow Milan since I'm young, so it's personal. It's hard to take this kind of challenge. The belief that I had at Sporting, is the same belief I have now... with a little bit more hunger."
Amorim added: "Maybe because of the last adventure. I'm really hungry for success. I believe in myself and especially I believe in the club. I know it's a tough league, I know that you need to know Italian football really well, I think I learn fast and I will try to do that."
Greater Challenge Than United?
These are not the first remarks Amorim has made about United since his move to Italy. In a previous interview with Calciomercato, he suggested that his new role at Milan represented an even greater challenge than the one he encountered at Old Trafford.
He said: "I'm really very happy to be here, it's an honour to be the coach of Milan. Why did I choose Milan? If you read an old interview of mine you will understand it, for me a special club. It's a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one (at Manchester United) I told myself to accept a smaller one. Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last. I'm proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff."
