Gattuso and Inzaghi announce Milan farewells

Twenty-four hours after Alessandro Nesta announced his decision to leave AC Milan, two other Rossoneri stalwarts – Filippo Inzaghi and Gennaro Gattuso – have confirmed they will also bid San Siro farewell when the Serie A season ends on Sunday.

The Milan website has published a letter written by Inzaghi under the headline 'Ciao Milan, grande amore mio' (ciao Milan, great love of mine) in which the veteran striker thanks the club, its fans and his family. "I leave you only because life is like this, because it's the moment to do it, and you know it," the letter concludes.

The 38-year-old, out of contract this summer, joined Milan in 2001 from Juventus and helped the Diavolo win the UEFA Champions League against his former employees in 2003. Four years later he took centre stage in the Athens showpiece, scoring both his side's goals in a 2-1 defeat of Liverpool FC.

Inzaghi, a FIFA World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, also contributed to two Scudetto triumphs and a Coppa Italia success. Those were shared with Gattuso, who joined Milan two years before his team-mate, in 1999.

"It's the moment to step aside and leave space for others," said the 34-year-old midfielder. "I still have something to give. I will play one season with another team and then we'll see. This is not a goodbye; I will be back one day."

While Gattuso, Inzaghi and Nesta are set for pastures new, Mario Yepes will remain at the club for a further 12 months after extending his expiring terms until 2013. The Colombia defender, 36, has made 23 league appearances for Milan since arriving from AC Chievo Verona in 2009.

Milan, confirmed runners-up behind Juventus in Serie A, finish their campaign with a home game against relegated Novara Calcio.