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Onyewu to play for free after injury

Monday, May 17, 2010

AC Milan applauded Oguchi Onyewu's "exemplary gesture" after the defender pledged to play his last year at the club without a salary having missed much of this term through injury.

Oguchi Onyewu has had little time to make an impression since signing off at Standard
Oguchi Onyewu has had little time to make an impression since signing off at Standard ©Getty Images

AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu has pledged to play his final year at the club without a salary after signing a 12-month contract extension.

Onyewu made just one appearance for the Rossoneri this season after rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee during a FIFA World Cup qualifier for the United States against Costa Rica in October. His contract had two years left to run, but fit-again Onyewu requested a further year and told the club he would play for free. The club accepted his offer, which means the 28-year-old is now tied to Milan until July 2013.

"Onyewu has been out for virtually the whole season due to injury, but is now getting ready for the World Cup in South Africa with his national team," the club said. "He has become a star today with a significant gesture from a personal and professional standpoint. This is an exemplary gesture that deserves our sincere congratulations."

The Nigeria-born centre-back joined Milan from R. Standard de Liège as a free agent last summer. The Rossoneri have qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League group stage after finishing third in Serie A.

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