Italian all-star midfielder Roberto Donadoni announced today that he is leaving the MetroStars after two seasons to return to his former club, AC Milan. “It has been an honor to have Roberto represent the MetroStars for two seasons,” said MetroStars GM Charlie Stillitano. “From the day he signed, Roberto brought class and credibility to our organization. It is true that he is returning to one of the great clubs in the world in AC Milan, but Roberto is also returning to a club that is like a second family to him. He told me that his decision to return to Milan was not easy, and I am honored that holds the MetroStars in such high regard. We will miss him greatly and appreciate all he has done to put the foundation in place for our organization.” Donadoni, 34 won five Serie A titles with AC Milan during his ten seasons with the club before he joined the Metros in 1996 to help launch MLS. He was the team’s first foreign star and helped bring instant credibility to the new league. “Two seasons ago, when I came to the MetroStars after so many years in Milan, it was the most difficult decision of my career, because leaving Milan was like leaving a piece of my heart,” said Donadoni. “Although I have played only two seasons here, I feel like this decision was just as difficult. The MetroStars are working very hard, the players and the organization, to be successful. I have no doubt in my mind that the hard work will pay off in the near future.” A veteran of Italy’s 1990 and 1994 World Cup teams, Donadoni missed 15 games in his first season with the MetroStars to play in the 1996 European Championships. He played in all 32 games this season. He earned All-Star honors in both seasons and was a member of the 1996 AT&T “Best 11.” “In my opinion, Roberto’s value as a player was underestimated by a lot of people,” said MetroStars coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. “Maybe they did not understand Roberto or put the right value on his place in the league. It was an honor for the league to have such a world-class player. I always admired Roberto as a player, from Milan to the Italian national team, he was always a player with skill and character. Donadoni gave the league stature. When I came here from Brazil to coach, I knew the MetroStars only because of Donadoni. I will miss him.”