Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu has pledged to play an entire season without pay for the Italian giants.
The USA centre-back has signed a one-year extension on his contract with the Rossoneri, committing him to the club until the end of the 2012-13 campaign, but requested not to be paid any salary for that year.
Onyewu joined Milan from Belgian club Standard Liege last summer, but only made one appearance for them before rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee while on international duty in October.
The 28-year-old, who had a loan spell at Newcastle United in 2007, has now returned to full fitness and has been named in USA boss Bob Bradley's 30-man provisional World Cup squad.
In recompense for picking up most of his first year's wages at the club on the treatment table, Onyewu requested that he played a year for free, for which the club praised him as "a star".
The club said in a statement: "Onyewu, who has been out for virtually the whole season due to injury, but who at this time is getting ready to face the World Cup adventure in South Africa with his national team, has become a star today with a significant gesture from a personal and professional standpoint.
"Onyewu has requested and obtained a contract extension from 30 June 2012 until 30 June 2013. With respect to that year, as was his wish, which has been appreciated by the club, Onyewu has asked not to receive any type of wages. This is an exemplary gesture that deserves our sincere congratulations."
Tony Mabert / Eurosport
The USA centre-back has signed a one-year extension on his contract with the Rossoneri, committing him to the club until the end of the 2012-13 campaign, but requested not to be paid any salary for that year.
Onyewu joined Milan from Belgian club Standard Liege last summer, but only made one appearance for them before rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee while on international duty in October.
The 28-year-old, who had a loan spell at Newcastle United in 2007, has now returned to full fitness and has been named in USA boss Bob Bradley's 30-man provisional World Cup squad.
In recompense for picking up most of his first year's wages at the club on the treatment table, Onyewu requested that he played a year for free, for which the club praised him as "a star".
The club said in a statement: "Onyewu, who has been out for virtually the whole season due to injury, but who at this time is getting ready to face the World Cup adventure in South Africa with his national team, has become a star today with a significant gesture from a personal and professional standpoint.
"Onyewu has requested and obtained a contract extension from 30 June 2012 until 30 June 2013. With respect to that year, as was his wish, which has been appreciated by the club, Onyewu has asked not to receive any type of wages. This is an exemplary gesture that deserves our sincere congratulations."
Tony Mabert / Eurosport
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