Unhappy Gattuso drops exit hint

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso dropped a clear hint on Thursday that he will be looking for a transfer during the January window.

Gattuso is unhappy at no longer being an automatic first choice in the Milan team after 11 seasons at the club.

“I’m Rino Gattuso and I shouldn’t have to wait until someone is injured to be able to play,” he told reporters.

“I still feel strong and I’m disappointed to not be showing that but I won’t accept the thought that I am no longer indispensible.

“Will I go? There’s still five or six matches to go before the Christmas break, I have to talk to the club and with (vice-president Adriano) Galliani because it’s not nice after 11 years to play only occasionally.”

Gattuso has made only seven starts in Milan’s 20 matches this season and has played only 37 minutes of their five Champions League matches, although he has had some small injuries and a suspension.

In coach Leonardo’s preferred 4-4-3 formation he has been competing with club captain Massimo Ambrosini and Mathieu Flamini for the third midfield spot alongside Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf.

And with former England captain David Beckham due to arrive in the new year, midfield competition is set to get even tougher for the former Rangers player.