Gilardino 'honoured' to join Milan
Monday, July 18, 2005
Article summary
AC Milan have completed the signing of the Italian international forward Alberto Gilardino in a €24m deal.
Article body
'Great honour'
The 23-year-old Italy striker has put pen to paper on a contract running until June 2010. He told Milan's website: "It all excites me - the club, their history, the great players who are part of that. Why have I chosen Milan? Because they are the strongest club in Europe and it is a great honour to wear their shirt."
Six caps
Gilardino has scored 23 goals in each of the last two Serie A seasons, having made his top-flight debut against Milan in 2000 when he was with Piacenza FC. He has also played for Hellas-Verona FC. Following his Azzurri debut in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Norway in September 2004, Gilardino has six caps and two goals for his country.
Fifth signing
Gilardino becomes Milan's fifth summer signing after Johann Vogel, Marek Jankulovski, Dimitrios Eleftheropoulos and Christian Vieri. The Rossoneri will play in the UEFA Champions League group stage after finishing second in Serie A last season.
