Ivan Gazidis, the current Chief Executive Officer of AC Milan who served as the CEO of Arsenal between 2009 and 2018 said he is confident that his throat cancer would be treated successfully.
The 56-year-old South African-born football administrator was diagnosed with throat cancer within the week. According to a statement from AC Milan, an “extensive series of tests and scans” proved that Ivan Gazidis would fully recover.
The Italian Serie A club also revealed that Gazidis would remain the Chief Executive Officer of AC Milan while he continues to receive treatment for the illness.
“AC Milan informs its fans and stakeholders that our CEO, Ivan Gazidis, has been diagnosed with a cancer of the throat,” a club statement read. “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.”
In his own words, Ivan Gazidis described the form of cancer he has as very curable, noting that he had a positive diagnosis.
He went on to encourage everyone to undertake regular medical checks up even if they are not displaying any form of symptoms.
“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 cancer will be treated successfully, with a full recovery”, said Gazidis.
“My diagnosis demonstrates the importance of regular medical checkups, even if you don’t have symptoms.
“I would encourage everyone to prioritize their health and to make sure, even in the day-to-day obligations of life and work, that they have their regular medical checkups.”
Who is Ivan Gazidis?
Ivan Gazidis was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on 13 September 1964. He is of Greek origin but maintains the citizenship of his place of birth.
Gazidis had his primary and tertiary education in the United Kingdom and graduated as a lawyer from the University of Oxford in 1986 before he migrated to the United States.
While in the United States, it got involved in the soccer business and became a part of the founding management team of Major League Soccer in 1994. He served in that capacity until 2001 when he was named the deputy commissioner of the league.
Ivan Gazidis returned to the United Kingdom after Arsenal appointed him the Chief Executive Officer of the club in 2008. He started serving in that capacity on January 1, 2009.
He oversaw the departure of the club’s legendary coach Arsene Wenger at the end of the 2017-2018 season. He was also involved in the hiring of coach Unai Emery in May 2018.
Less than four months later, Ivan Gazidis left Arsenal on 18 September 2018. Three months later, he became the CEO of AC Milan. He has been serving in that capacity since 1 December 2018.
Not much is known about his private life, but we can confirm that Ivan Gazidis is married to Maureen Smith and they have a son named Aidan Gazidis.
