ROME (REUTERS) - Adriano Galliani will stay in his position as AC Milan chief executive officer despite handing in his resignation, club president Silvio Berlusconi announced on Saturday.
"Serenity has returned to AC Milan. Adriano Galliani will remain in his position," Berlusconi told news agency ANSA.
On Friday, Galliani announced he would resign after nearly 28 years in the job, citing his treatment by club director Barbara Berlusconi, daughter of Silvio, who said recently the troubled club needed a new philosophy.
Former champions Milan are 13th in Serie A after a poor start to the season and have taken only 14 points from 13 games.
The bad results have enraged fans, who have blamed directors rather than coach Massimiliano Allegri. Some 300 supporters blocked the players' exit from the San Siro stadium after a 1-1 draw with Genoa last weekend.
Galliani and Berlusconi met over dinner late on Friday at the former prime minister's villa in Arcore, the site of the alleged "bunga bunga" parties which have landed him in political hot water, Italian media said.
Berlusconi, 77, was convicted in June of paying for sex with a minor and was this week expelled from parliament over a tax fraud conviction.
"Milan can go forward in a calm manner. Adriano Galliani is more relieved now after yesterday's dinner at Arcore, everyone is staying in their positions and Milan proceed in unity," Berlusconi said.
The media mogul was supposed to visit the club's Milanello training ground on Saturday to speak to the team but said bad weather had grounded his personal helicopter.
"I couldn't come to Milanello only because of bad weather and I'm sorry," said Berlusconi.
Galliani, who was travelling with the team to Sicily for their Serie A match at Catania on Sunday, was appointed by Silvio Berlusconi when he took charge of the club in 1986 and was a key part of their subsequent success.
In his time at Milan they have won 28 trophies, including eight league titles, five Champions Leagues and the World Club Cup.
However his relationship with Barbara has degenerated and a 2-0 home defeat to Fiorentina on Nov. 2 led to reports that she wanted him replaced.
"It's not for me to comment on the words of president Berlusconi," Galliani said on Saturday before setting off for Catania. "For me what he says has for the last 34 years been sacred. His words need no comment."
