Milan have confirmed the departure of Ismael Bennacer, bringing an end to the Algeria midfielder’s five-year spell with the Italian club. Bennacer responded by describing his time with the Rossoneri as a source of pride and thanking supporters for their “unconditional love”.
The 28-year-old has not played an official match for Milan since February 2025, having suffered a serious knee injury during the previous season. His final period at the club was followed by an 18-month spell away on loan, first with Marseille and then with Dinamo Zagreb.
Bennacer made 12 appearances for Marseille during the second half of the 2024-25 season. He subsequently played 19 matches for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia last season.
He was an important member of the Milan side that won the club’s 19th Serie A title in 2021-22. Under manager Stefano Pioli, Bennacer featured 31 times in that campaign and scored two goals.
In total, he made 178 appearances for Milan after joining from Empoli in 2019. His departure now closes a chapter that included the club’s league triumph, although his later time in Milan was disrupted by injury and loan moves.
“Dear Milan supporters, last year, I said goodbye without ever imagining that those words would become a farewell,” Bennacer said in a video published on social media.
“For more than five years, I wore this shirt with pride and passion alongside incredible team-mates, supported by your unconditional love.”
“Winning the Scudetto in this shirt is one of the most beautiful memories of my career, and playing in front of you at San Siro was a tremendous honour.”
Bennacer’s message referred to a previous goodbye last year, before Milan formally confirmed his departure. The midfielder’s time with the club included both a major domestic success and a long period affected by injury, followed by his loan spells in France and Croatia.
Reports indicate that Bennacer is expected to join Al-Gharafa. The club finished fourth in the Qatar Stars League last season and is managed by Pedro Martins.
No further details about the transfer are provided, but the proposed move would mark the next stage of Bennacer’s career after his six years as a Milan player. His 178 appearances for the Italian club came after his move from Empoli in 2019, with his most significant achievement arriving in the 2021-22 season when Milan secured their 19th Serie A title.