Despite the confirmation that midfielder Sulley Muntari is no longer in the plans of AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi and would not be summoned for first-team duties, it appears the Rossoneri will continue paying the Ghanaian.
The former Inter man asked to be removed from the Milan team, though is making himself available should an emergency require a recall, thus agent Federico Pastorello insists there is no reason for the 31-year-old not to receive his salary.
“Behind this decision there is no controversy,” Pastorello told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is a choice taken jointly and in harmony. We talked with [vice-president Adriano] Galliani and, given the affection that binds him to Sulley, we arrived at this point.
“It is a situation that will be continued until the end of the season, unless Inzaghi in an emergency needs him.
“The fact is Muntari will continue to train every day with the team, and on Saturday and Sunday mornings alone. He will be paid by the club because he will continue to work and this was not a unilateral choice.
“There are no disciplinary or medical reasons for it and will only avoided the bench.
“It is a issue for a major player, at 31 years old, which has already been announced to not be part of the Milan of the future.”
Although Muntari is contracted to Milan until 2016 a summer departure is almost guaranteed with several clubs showing an interest, including Premier League side West Ham United and MLS duo New York Red Bulls and Los Angeles Galaxy making contact.
