Shevchenko commits to long-term Milan deal

AC Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko has signed a four-year contract extension which will keep him with the Italian champions until the end of the 2008/09 season.

Shevchenko’s 24 goals made him Serie A’s top goalscorer this season, and it was a tally which maintained his status as one of the most coveted strikers in Europe.

His previous deal was due to expire in June 2005, but Milan were anxious to extend the deal, especially with a meeting planned for tomorrow between Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani and Chelsea’s billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

“Shevchenko will remain at Milan until June 30, 2009,” said a club statement on the club’s official website, www.acmilan.it.