By Chris Wright
AC Milan’s American defender Oguchi Onyewu (you may remember him from his brief stint on loan at Newcastle United in 2007) has extended his current deal with the Rossoneri by a further year, and has confirmed that he is to receive no wages during that period.
Onyewu made absolutely no appearances for Milan in the 2009/10 season after suffering a serious knee injury whilst on international duty with the U.S last October.
Many sources in Italy were speculating that Milan would release the 28-year-old centre-back over the summer, but he has now signed a one-year wageless contract in a bid to repay the faith that the club have shown in him.
A statement made this morning by AC Milan reads;
“Onyewu, who has been out for virtually the whole season due to injury, but who at this time is getting ready to face the World Cup adventure in South Africa with his national team, has become a star today with a significant gesture from a personal and professional standpoint.
Onyewu has requested and obtained a contract extension from 30 June 2012 until 30 June 2013. With respect to that year, as was his wish, which has been appreciated by the club, Onyewu has asked not to receive any type of wages. This is an exemplary gesture that deserves our sincere congratulations.”
Exemplary? Or just very, very desperate?