Redondo rewarded by Milan
Friday, March 7, 2003
Article summary
Argentinian midfield player Fernando Redondo has been given a contract extension by AC Milan.
Article body
AC Milan midfield player Fernando Redondo has been rewarded for his return to fitness and form with a contract extension until June 2004.
Patience repaid
The elegant Argentinian resumed playing last December after being sidelined for two-and-a-half years with a serious knee injury. During this period Redondo announced he wished to repay Milan's patience by declining payment of his salary until he had returned to action.
Three operations
Now 33, Redondo joined the Italian club from Real Madrid CF in summer 2000, after winning the UEFA Champions League with the Spanish side and UEFA's Most Valuable Player award. But the former Argentina player damaged his right knee after just a few days while running on a treadmill and was forced to undergo three cruciate ligament operations in two years.
Fantastic player
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was delighted after the new deal was agreed. "I'm really happy for his new contract," he said. "He deserves to play with Milan, and Milan deserve to have a fantastic player like Redondo."
Madrid return
The Rossoneri have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals having won all their four matches in Group C. Their next European encounter sees them travel to Redondo's former club, Madrid, next Wednesday. Redondo made his long awaited Champions League bow for Milan last month, playing 76 minutes in the 1-0 win at FC Lokomotiv Moskva. In Serie A, Milan are third, four points behind leaders Juventus FC.
