Injured Redondo forsakes salary

Injured Argentinian midfielder Fernando Redondo has chosen not to be paid by UEFA Cup challengers Milan AC until he returns to full fitness.

Signed from Madrid
Redondo, who joined Milan from Real Madrid CF in summer 2000, has yet to kick a ball for the Italian club after injuring his right knee in pre-season training and missing all of last year's campaign.

‘Wants tranquillity’
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said that Redondo believed foregoing his salary would make him calmer in his bid to regain fitness: "Fernando suffered the pressure. He felt it when people were asking him when he would be fit." Galliani added: "He wants tranquillity and he told me clearly this choice allows him to be more calm and to feel well in Madrid."

Fine gesture
Galliani added Redondo had also offered to give up the car and house provided to him by the club, but that this was rejected by Milan.

‘Doctors are optimistic’
The vice-president said the club was hopeful that Redondo would return to full fitness as soon as possible: "He is optimistic, all the doctors are optimistic and we hope he can be back with us very soon. Milan doesn't want to save money on a salary - we want a great player on the field."