Tuesday 6 May, 2008

Milan have officially secured the services of Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini for next season, to the delight of transfer guru Ariedo Braida.

Flamini repeatedly turned down Arsenal’s offers of a contract extension and snubbed Juventus in order to agree a deal with the Diavolo.

The French international will arrive at San Siro on a free transfer at the end of the campaign after penning a four-year deal worth £3m per season yesterday.

“Flamini has signed his first contract with Milan, which will begin on July 1, 2008 and last until June 30, 2012,” a statement on the club’s website confirms.

“I can say that Flamini was a player Carlo Ancelotti really wanted and Milan is like a family, where decisions are made jointly,” director Braida enthused.

“Flamini isn’t an unknown player, just as Didier Drogba isn’t. I assume that several teams would have wanted him because his talent is well known.

“Although negotiations are never easy, it wasn’t hard to convince Flamini to join Milan.

“We are delighted that Mathieu has chosen Milan. He is a very good player and can offer a lot to the team.”

It remains to be seen whether the arrival of Flamini has put an end to the world champions’ attempts to lure Barcelona ace Ronaldinho.