|
|
Abate happy to stay at AC Milan
13-Feb-2013 3:35:00 PM
The defender has been linked with a move to Russia, but is keen to stay put and help the San Siro side secure a Champions League spot
Ignazio Abate has revealed that he is happy to stay at AC Milan after the Rossoneri turned down an offer for the right-back earlier this winter.The Italy international was being heavily linked with a move to Zenit St Petersburg, but says he is keen to stay at Milan and help the club qualify for the Champions League after a difficult start to the 2012-13 campaign.
"Leaving Milan? [Adriano] Galliani received an offer for me, but he told me that the club want me to stay put. I have always worked hard for this club and behaved professional and will continue to do so," Abate told reporters.
"Reaching third place [in Serie A] will depend on the matches against our direct rivals. It's only normal that you will have to win those games if you want to qualify for the Champions League."
The defender then went on to praise Stephan El Shaarawy, who has been struggling in recent weeks, and stressed that the youngster can still be a game-changer for Milan in the remainder of the season.
"El Shaarawy can be decisive between now and the end of the season. He carried the team for a long time, and is now paying for that a bit."
Milan currently sit fifth in the Serie A table with 41 points from 24 games.
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Goal Special: I-League Team of the Season
Each of Goal's correspondents select their own XI, before eventually settling on a combined team, which represents the best of the lot from the 2012-13 season...
-
Champions League Final Tactical Analysis
Brendon Netto analyzes where the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich could be own or lost.
-
How Heynckes was always undermined
The veteran coach will step down from his position in charge of Die Roten after the Champions League final at Wembley. Goal reflects on how Heynckes was never given due credit....
-
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
-
