Galliani set to resign as Milan vice-president

MILAN - AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said he will resign from his post after claiming his reputation had been "seriously damaged" by recent criticism amid an ongoing crisis at the Serie A giants.

Galliani, who has helped oversee the most successful period in the club's history, said he will resign in a "a few days".

"With or without a severance package I will resign, with good reason, in a few days, probably after the Milan v Ajax game," Galliani was reported as saying by domestic agency ANSA.

Galliani said his reputation had been "seriously damaged" by recent comments made by Barbara Bersluconi - the daughter of club owner and president Silvio Berlusconi - who also holds the role of vice-president.

For the second successive season Milan are struggling in Serie A prior to the festive break and currently lie 13th, 20 points behind leaders Juventus.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri, who was lucky to retain his position last year, has so far escaped the axe. Instead, Galliani came under criticism from Barabara Berlusconi who said his efforts at the club over the past two years had not been satisfactory.

Galliani admitted changes were needed at the club, but, in comments appearing to hit back at the recent criticism, added: "I agree we need a change of generation at the club, but it must be done with elegance, not like this."

Milan host Ajax in the Champions League in a fortnight with qualification for the last 16 of the competition hanging in the balance.