Liverpool have confirmed a deal is in place for Alberto Aquilani to join AC Milan on loan.
The deal will see Aquilani spend the season at the San Siro with an option to make the signing permanent. It has been reported that Milan will be obliged to sign the Italy midfielder if he makes 25 appearances.
Liverpool said on their website that the deal would be subject to a medical, but a Milan statement read: "After undergoing his medical this morning, Alberto Aquilani arrived at the training centre at 13.20."
Aquilani, 27, joined Liverpool from Roma in 2009 as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, but he struggled with injuries during his debut season and was then allowed to spend the 2010-11 campaign on loan at Juventus.
Reds boss Kenny Dalglish had earlier suggested that he would be happy to include Aquilani in his plans but, with a high number of midfielders at his disposal, the Italian has been allowed to depart.
Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli told the club's official website: "I want to pay tribute to the way Alberto has conducted himself during these discussions. Throughout the entire process, his only desire has been to play football and he has put this ahead of any other considerations and at personal cost to himself. We wish him well for the season ahead."
Read more >>
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is looking forward to making a big impact at the San Siro as his loan move to AC Milan nears completion.
Aquilani, 27, underwent a medical in Milan on Thursday morning to pave the way for a deal that could result in a permanent switch at the end of the season.
The Italian, who was plagued by injury at Roma and Liverpool, must make at least 25 appearances this season if he wants to remain with Milan when his loan deal expires.
"I am delighted to have arrived here,'' said Aquilani. "This is a leap in my career. I have come to Milan to do well.
"The clause of making at least 25 appearances? It's not a problem for me and I'm not thinking about it. I will do everything possible to earn the trust of the club.''
Aquilani has been signed to plug the gap left in midfield by the exit of Andrea Pirlo, who joined Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, but the two-time Coppa Italia winner insists it is not a like for like swap.
"I have different characteristics to Andrea Pirlo but this is a further responsibility for me. I believe I can play in all positions in midfield,'' he added.
Aquilani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus before returning to Anfield earlier this summer, is under contract with Liverpool until June 2014.
Read more >>
