AC Milan's Argentinian midfielder Fernando Redondo has taken the unusual step of renouncing his salary until he recovers from the long-term injury that has kept him out of football for 13 months, Corriere dello Sportreported today.
Redondo made the offer to Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani last month and his suggestion is being hailed in the Italian press as the antidote to the money-orientated nature of modern football.
Galliani said: "Fernando is an incredible man. As well as an extraordinary player. I have never seen anything like it during my career as a director.
"I only hope that our great midfielder will be back soon. I have told him not to worry and that he will be here until his contract runs out at the end of the 2002-3 season."
The player himself said: "I came to Milan to play. Milan must only pay me when that's what I am doing."
Now 32 Milan bought Redondo in the summer of 2000 from Real Madrid whom he had just inspired to victory in the Champions League Final against Valencia in Paris (3-0).
But an injury to the cruciate ligaments of his right knee have prevented him from playing a competitive fixture for the San Siro outfit.
Redondo, an Argentinian international, began his career with Argentinos Juniors before moving to Tenerife and then Real.
AFP