Christian Abbiati



Birth Date: 7/8/1977
Birth Place: Abbiategrasso, Italy
Nationality: Italy
Height: 191
Weight: 92
Position: Goalkeeper

Christian Abbiati Rumours and Transfers

06 10 2007

As Nelson Dida's own teammates turn against him for his Glasgow theatrics, AC Milan are looking at immediate alternatives – Gianluca Pagliuca and Angelo Peruzzi.

The Brazilian shot-stopper had already been a controversial figure within the club, as the fans never quite forgave his long drawn-out contract renewal saga last year and repeatedly jeered him at San Siro this season.

His dreadful performance in the 2-1 defeat to Celtic – where he was at fault for the two goals and then appeared to feign injury after a fan confronted him – could be the final straw.

This week both Kaka and defender Massimo Oddo have publicly criticised Dida's behaviour in that incident, when he was stretchered off clutching an ice-pack to his head.

'Dida is going through a tough time,' said Oddo. 'He didn't behave appropriately, but he realises what he has done and I don't think it will ever happen again.'

He could risk a Champions League ban for his theatrics, so Milan are looking elsewhere for an immediate reinforcement.

Until the January transfer window opens, they can only sign players who are out of contract and so the choice has come down to two golden oldies.

Peruzzi retired from football in the summer, rejecting pleas from Lazio to continue for another year, but it is reported today that Milan director Ariedo Braida has called to ask about his fitness levels.

Some sources even suggested Peruzzi was spotted in the city of Milan to discuss contract terms.

'At the moment I am fine like this, as I do not miss football,' Peruzzi told Radio Deejay. 'Having said that, if Milan called me I certainly wouldn't say no.'

Another new rumour comes from someone who has no intention of retiring, despite being left without a club this season.

Pagliuca's deal with Ascoli expired and he has been waiting for a suitable opportunity to continue his career.

He would become the latest in a long line of former Inter players to cross the city divide and with 592 Serie A appearances under his belt is still capable of catching Milan's Paolo Maldini on 600.

These would be stop-gap solutions until January, when a new goalkeeper capable of entering the Champions League squad came into the picture.

While Christian Abbiati could return early from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid, a more likely candidate is Livorno's Marco Amelia – currently the Italy number two behind Gianluigi Buffon.



 

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