Milito commits to Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza centre-back Gabriel Milito, linked with a move to Liverpool, has signed a new contract with the Spanish club.

Liverpool are thought to have tabled a £7.5m bid for the Argentina international earlier this month, but he has committed himself to Zaragoza by extending his contract until 2010.

“I am very happy and content with my new deal. Both sides showed willingness and negotiations were pretty swift,” Milito said.

“It was what I was hoping for and fortunately we have been able to reach an agreement.”

He added: “I am pleased and I will carry on doing my best so that Zaragoza can continue to grow as a club.

“The past two seasons have been wonderful because we have won titles (Cup and Spanish Supercup) and I know that with the prestige Zaragoza have, that I will continue to improve.”

The 24-year-old almost joined Real Madrid from Independiente two years ago but he failed a medical at the Bernabeu because of problems with his knee.

However, that didn’t stop Zaragoza from snapping up the defender and in his first season with the club, Milito helped them win the Copa del Rey.

Milito will be keen for more success with Zaragoza this season, not least because he hopes it will help him win a place in the Argentina squad for next year’s World Cup finals.

“The World Cup is one of the objectives that I have in my career so I hope to be at my best for my club because that is how I will be called up,” he added.