New AC Milan deal for Ignazio Abate

Ignazio Abate has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new contract with AC Milan.

The full-back's previous deal at San Siro had been due to expire at the end of the month, when he would have become a free agent.

However, despite reports that had linked the 28-year-old with a switch to Serie A rivals Fiorentina, he has now committed his future to the Rossoneri until the summer of 2019.

"A contract signing that fills me with pride. Ten years of honouring the Milan jersey, thank you AC Milan," he wrote on Twitter.

Abate made his Milan debut in 2003 and he has gone on to make 200 appearances for the club.