Onyewu Signs with AC Milan

July 8, 2009

AC Milan have quickly wrapped up a deal for United States centre back Oguchi Onyewu on Tuesday in a bid to quell supporter unrest over their transfer policy.

Onyewu had a great Confed Cup for the U.S team. The 27-year-old, who impressed in the U.S. side’s run to the Confederations Cup final last month, has joined on a free transfer from Standard Liege and penned a three-year contract.

The club announced the signing on their website and pointed out he holds a Belgian passport, which means Onyewu will not count as one of only two non-EU players Italian sides are allowed to sign each season.

Onyewu played for Clemson in the 2000 and 2001 seasons and was named to the Soccer America MVP team in 2001 and was named a NSCAA All-American in 2001. Onyewu was a Hermann Award Finalist in 2001.

During his career at Clemson, he was named first-team All-ACC in 2000 and 2001. He also scored the game-winning goal in the ACC Championship match vs. North Carolina (11-3-01) and two goals in the closing minutes of the NCAA Tournament match vs. Alabama-Birmingham (12-2-01). He was also named to the ACC’s 50-Year Anniversary Team.

Milan’s interest in the defender had barely been mentioned in the media and his signing comes just a day after hundreds of fans protested at the first day of pre-season training.

Ultra fans chanted slogans and unveiled banners criticising owner Silvio Berlusconi and the decision to sell playmaker Kaka to Real Madrid for 67 million euros ($94 million).

The Rossoneri, who lost coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea having finished third in Serie A last season, had previously only signed Brazil defender Thiago Silva and little-known young players.

They are seeking a new striker with Real forward Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano, Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and VfL Wolfsburg’s Edin Dzeko in the frame.

Onyewu could end up partnering Silva in central defence given captain Paolo Maldini retired at the end of last season and Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze are injury prone.

Milan, now coached by rookie Brazilian Leonardo, have also announced that midfielder Massimo Ambrosini will be the new captain.