Yeah, free.
The American defender has consistently impressed on the pitch with the national team and was rewarded last summer with a three-year deal with one of Europe’s most successful teams.
The move was seen as a boon for Milan and U.S. soccer alike.
Then, on Oct. 14, just two weeks after his competitive debut in the Serie A, Onyewu ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee during the final World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
He would miss the majority of the season.
What happened next is what sets the man they call “Gooch” apart from the big market, endorsement hungry world we’ve grown accustomed to.
Onyewu was able to rehabilitate his knee, return to full training and has been included in U.S. coach Bob Bradley’s provisional squad for this summer’s tournament in South Africa.
Once he returns to Milan, he’ll still have to battle Italian Alessandro Nesta and Brazilian Thiago Silva for a place in the starting 11.
Onyewu’s stock across Europe could rise with a positive showing at the World Cup, meaning that a move to another team would probably result in more playing time.
But to Gooch, that wouldn’t be fair. Instead, he’ll repay the fans’ loyalty and club’s patience by going an entire year without a paycheck.
I know whose name will be on the back of my next Milan jersey.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2280 or jbeckett@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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