AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis has promised to return the club to winning ways after taking up his new role at the Serie A outfit.

The South African-born sports administrator announced his decision to leave Premier League side Arsenal in September to take up a similar role in italy.

Now the 54-year-old has addressed the club’s fans and plans to help head coach Gennaro Gattuso get them back to winning ways as they search for a first trophy since the 2016 Italian Supercoppa. Milan have not won the Serie A title since 2011 and the Champions league since 2007.

Gazidis said in a video address carried on the club’s website: “It’s a great honour to be chosen to lead AC Milan into a new era as its chief executive. I’d like to assure the club’s millions of fans all over the world that I will work with my heart and soul to do the very best job that I can.

“To achieve what we all want for this great football club, the hard work must start now and it will require teamwork, both on and off the pitch.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunities ahead and although the journey will be challenging I’m confident that together we can bring AC Milan back to where it belongs.”