Skip to content

Abate wants Milan stay

Image: Ignazio Abate: Full-back is under contract with Milan until 2015

AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate wants to stay at the San Siro for 'as long as possible' amid reports linking him with a move to PSG.

Defender not interested in PSG switch; Milan hint at Maxi move

AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate wants to stay at the San Siro for 'as long as possible' amid reports linking him with a move to Paris St Germain. The full-back is a thought to be a target of the French giants but the 24-year-old, who earned his first call-up to the Italy squad this week, says he is going nowhere. PSG sporting director and former Milan coach Leonardo has been an influential figure in his professional life, however, Abate is not interested in a reunion in France's capital. "Leonardo has been a very important person in my career, but my contract with AC Milan ends in 2015 and my aim is to wear the Rossoneri colours for as long as possible," Abate told Gazzetta dello Sport. "If it was down to me, I would remain at Milan for life as I grew up here, it's one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.

Value

"Who wouldn't want to stay here forever?" Abate made his senior debut with Milan in 2003 but it was under Leonardo that he earned a regular place in the first team. Meanwhile, AC Milan chief executive officer Adriano Galliani is being linked with a move for Catania's former Barcelona striker, Maxi Lopez, as cover for Antonio Cassano, who is recovering from heart surgery. Galliani told Italian media: "We'll see how Cassano is. Certainly, if we take someone, it will only be on loan." Asked about Maxi, Galliani added: "I think he is a player of value to Milan. But there are many good strikers in Europe."

Around Sky