ONYEWU TO PLAY FINAL SEASON ON AC MILAN CONTRACT FOR FREE

It’s nothing unusual for a player to want to rework his contract or request an extension after the season is over.  AC Milan’s Oguchi Onyewu—who goes by the nickname ‘Gooch’—did just that, approaching team management and working out a one year contract extension.  What is usual is that Onyewu asked to play the additional year for free.  AC Milan agreed to those terms, extending Onyewu’s deal and honoring his request that he not receive a salary for the final year on his contract.

Onyewu missed most of the 2009-2010 Serie A season with a severe knee injury.  He ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee during a World Cup qualifying game while playing for the US National team against Costa Rica.  He wound up making only one appearance for AC Milan in Champions League play, but anxious to prove his desire to remain with the team requested the unusual contract extension. He already had two years left on his current contract, and with the added ‘free’ year he’ll be tied to AC Milan until June 2013.

AC Milan released the following 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 June 30, 2012 until June 30, 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.''

While it seems crazy for a high level professional athlete to literally ‘give away’ his services, in reality it’s a very shrewd move by Onyewu.  It’s certainly gained him considerable goodwill among AC Milan management and supporters, and it’s doubtful that he’ll end up playing the 2013 season for free despite his offer.  If he performs well next year, the team will gladly re-work his deal.  If things don’t work out for him, they’ll cut him loose before 2013 and he’ll lose nothing.

Onyweu will be playing with the United States team during the forthcoming World Cup competition.  They’ll begin Group C play against England on June 12th.  Current World Cup betting odds have the ‘Three Lions’ installed as a -190 favorite in the opening game, with takeback on the United States at +480.