Massimiliano Allegri: AC Milan manager wants to leave on a high

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri says he wants to finish his San Siro reign on a high after announcing he will leave at the end of the season.

The 46-year-old's contract expires at the end of this season and Milan are 13th in the Serie A table.

"We're professional and we have to work well to the end of the contract," said Allegri, who took charge in June 2010.

"I want to finish my time here the best way possible."

Allegri led Milan to the Serie A title in his first season in charge after replacing Leonardo, who parted company with the club after only one season.

But it has been downhill since then for the former Cagliari boss.

His side finished second behind Juventus in 2011-12 but then sold off several top players including Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the summer of 2012 to balance the books and decided to put the emphasis on youth.

Despite spending £19m to sign striker Mario Balotelli from Manchester City 12 months ago, Milan ended last season 15 points behind champions Juventus.

They resume after the winter break at home to Atalanta on Monday just five points above the relegation zone after another poor domestic campaign.

Although Milan are Italy's only survivors in the Champions League, they have won just four league matches.

"I spoke to [vice-president] Adriano Galliani prior to Christmas about the decision to leave the club in June," added Allegri on Sunday.

"I've had four years here and I thank president [Silvio] Berlusconi, Adriano Galliani and the club for having given me the chance to lead an important team.

"We still have objectives to reach and we have to do everything we can to get back up the table.

"We have the Italian Cup and the Champions League to play in and I have faith that we'll do well.

"I don't know if we'll be able to get back into contention for the league but that's what we're working on. The club will find the right person to take my place, someone worthy of the club."