Keeper extends Milan deal
ROME: AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, regarded as the greatest prospect in his position in world football, has agreed an extension to his contract keeping him at the San Siro until 2021, the club announced on Tuesday.
“We continue together! AC Milan and Gianluigi Donnarumma have reached an agreement to extend the goalkeeper’s contract through to 2021,” read a statement on the club’s website.
The 18-year-old was due to officially sign the new deal yesterday.
His previous deal had been due to expire in 2018 and he had announced last month that he would not sign an extension, to the immense disappointment of the club’s board.
At the time, it was suggested that Milan were offering the player a new deal with an annual salary of €5 million (US$5.7 million).
Milan fans had reacted to his initial refusal to accept those terms but unveiling a banner reading “Dollarumma” as the player turned out for Italy at the under-21 European Championship in Poland. They also threw false bank notes at him.
Donnarumma made his debut as a 16-year-old in October 2015 and has already been capped four times at full international level by Italy.
He is tipped to succeed Gianluigi Buffon, the Juventus legend who is expected to retire at the age of 40 after next year’s World Cup in Russia.
CAPTAIN CARRICK
Michael Carrick has succeeded Wayne Rooney as captain of Manchester United after the club’s all-time top goalscorer’s move back to Everton.
“It feels great and it is such a huge honour to captain such a great club,” Carrick told the club’s MUTV on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old added: “It is my 12th year now and I came as a 25-year-old. I never thought I could be here for so long and achieve so much.
“Now, to lead the boys and look after the young boys, to guide them in some ways, it is a nice thing and a real pleasure.
“I came to this club as a footballer and I am now a huge fan. I have grown to love the club over the years and to be in this position is very special for me.”
Carrick joined United from Tottenham in 2006 and after Rooney’s departure is the longest serving player at Old Trafford.