Abbiati stands by Milan

AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has renewed his contract with the Rossoneri until June 2008.

Staying on
Abbiati's contract was due to expire in 2006, but although he lost the No1 jersey to Brazilian goalkeeper Dida for much of the 2002/03 campaign, the 25-year-old has elected to stand by coach Carlo Ancelotti and battle for a first-team place again in the coming season.

Goalkeeper needed
Before announcing the new deal, Milan's official website reported that the club and Abbiati had "refused a 'mega-offer' from Arsenal [FC]". The English Premiership side, who will compete in next season's UEFA Champions League with Milan, are in the market for a new goalkeeper after allowing veteran David Seaman to leave for Manchester City FC on a free transfer.

Vital saves
Abbiati, who has just completed his fifth consecutive season at the San Siro, was instrumental in Milan's passage to the Champions League final in Manchester, making some crucial saves in the semi-finals against city-rivals Internazionale FC when Dida was injured.

Reduced wages
According to Milan's official website Abbiati, who won the Scudetto in his first season with the Rossoneri in 1998/99, has accepted a reduced salary as the club attempt to reduce their outgoings in the run-up to the defence of their European Champion Clubs' Cup title.