Credit: Roman Kruchinin/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
Credit Roman Kruchinin/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

AX Armani Exchange Milan and guard Sergio Rodriguez are parting ways after three years spent together, the Italian club announced.

3-pointers this season

35%
9,0
Points made: 9,0
Accuracy: 35,0%
Place in standings: 8
Record max: 14
Record min: 3
Most made 3FGs: Devon Hall

"We thank Sergio for all he has done and meant in these three years and wish him and his family all the best in the future," the farewell announcement reads.

During his three seasons in Milan, Sergio Rodriguez won the 2022 Serie A title, the 2021 Italian Cup and 2022, the 2020 Super Cup, surpassed the 300 appearances in the EuroLeague, 3,000 points, 500 three-point shots, and 1,500 assists.

He has played over 100 EuroLeague games with Milan (third ever) and has become the third scorer in team's history after Bob McAdoo and Vlado Micov. He also helped the team reach the first EuroLeague Final Four since 1992.

During the EuroLeague playoffs, where Milan faced eventual back-to-back champs Anadolu Efes, Rodriguez did his best to play through an injured ankle, but he wound up being limited in his team's final EuroLeague game of the season. He remained effective in his 12th EuroLeague campaign, but his scoring average declined to 8.3 points per game - his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season. He recorded 13.0 points, 5.4 assists on 37.4% from downtown in his first season with Milan in 2019-20.

"We have to absorb the blow," coach Ettore Messina said about Rodriguez's departure. Now, the 36-year-old Spanish point guard is slated to return to his home country and re-join Real Madrid, which he left in 2016. 

Club's owner Giorgio Armani praised Sergio Rodriguez for having been "an exemplary captain for his behavior, dedication to the team, altruism. For three years, he contributed to make us win and entertain with style and elegance, adding that pinch of healthy competition that our fans so much embrace.

Sergio Rodriguez

Sergio  Rodriguez
Sergio  Rodriguez
MIN: 20.21
PTS: 8.29 (47.04%)
REB: 2.32
As: 4.44
ST: 0.71
BL: 0.06
TO: 2.32
GM: 34

Today he leaves us with the same spirit. This is why it is not a sad day but a day to celebrate our three years together. He and his family will always be a part of us".

According to El Mundo Deportivo, 35-year-old point guard  will sign a 1+1 contract with Real Madrid, where he played for six years, from 2010 until 2016.

The return of Sergio Rodríguez is the first move Real Madrid has made for next season. The player had a renewal offer from AX Armani Exchange Milan, but, after six years away from Spain (one with the Philadelphia 76ers, two with CSKA Moscow and three with Armani), he has prioritized returning to Madrid with his family.

AX Armani Exchange Milan

Position Player Status
PG/SG Stefano Tonut (story) Signed until 2024
PG/SG Naz Mitrou-Long (story) Signed until 2024
PG/SG Billy Baron (story) Signed until 2024
SG Devon Hall Signed until 2023
SG Davide Moretti Signed until 2025
SF Shavon Shields Signed until 2023
SF Davide Alviti Signed until 2024
PF Giampaolo Ricci Signed until 2023
PF Luigi Datome Signed until 2023
PF Dinos Mitoglou Signed until 2024
PF Nicolo Melli Signed until 2024
C Kaleb Tarczewski Signed until 2023
C Kyle Hines (story) Signed until 2023
C Brandon Davies (story) Signed until 2024
Coach Ettore Messina
Expired contract Sergio Rodriguez, Malcolm Delaney (will not return), Troy Daniels (will not return), Ricardo Moraschini (will not return), Paul Biligha, Trey Kell (will not return), Ben Bentil
Rumored to leave Malcolm Delaney (story), Sergio Rodriguez (will not return), Dinos Mitoglou (story), Kaleb Tarczewski, Jerian Grant (will not return)
Interested Kevin Pangos, Johannes Voigtmann, Amedeo Tessitori (story)

 

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