Ruben Amorim has apologised for not speaking to Manchester United’s fans since his dismissal in January but says he was “proud” to have been their coach.
Amorim has stayed silent since leaving Old Trafford and opted against making any statements about his 14 months at Old Trafford on social media.
The 41-year-old has now ended his break from the game by signing a three-year contract with AC Milan.
Amorim was unveiled by the Serie A giants on Wednesday afternoon – but in a 35-minute media conference he was not asked to talk about his time at United until the final question
By that point, the former Sporting boss had already admitted he made some mistakes at United and was hungrier to succeed because of how his “last adventure” had turned out.
Asked specifically what the mistakes were, Amorim offered a general assessment and said he was sorry to United’s fans for not acknowledging them.
“It is hard to explain the mistakes as I would have to explain all the context of the last adventure,” he said.
“The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes.
“I didn’t have [the] opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment [but] I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.
“Now it is a different history. There are a lot of things I could do better in the last experience. But sometimes it is like that. You need to learn to reach a different level. That is my thinking here.
“Everyone learns from their experience. I learn a lot. I did some mistakes. I will try to change but there are some things you never change. I think I will be better. That is all.”
Ironically, AC Milan will play United in their final pre-season game in Poland on 15 August.
Amorim apologised to the Italian media at his briefing for not being able to speak their language yet and gave his answers exclusively in English.
He sat alongside owner Gerry Cardinale, who said he intends to take on a hands-on role at the club following a disastrous end to last season, when Milan took just seven points from their last eight games and missed out on a place in the Champions League.
One of Amorim’s first jobs has been to try and persuade Luka Modric to stay.
The 40-year-old Croatia skipper has the option to extend his contract by another year but is yet to commit.
“Modric is a player we want to keep for his experience,” said Amorim.
“I know the board spoke with Modric and I spoke to him two times. If I need to, I will go and get the guy.
“He played really well and is a key point for us, especially in the beginning, to keep possession.
“I am not going to say he is going to play all the games but we really want to count with him next season.”