| caption = Abbiati playing for [[AC Milan]] in 2012
| height = {{height|meter=1.91}}
| full_name = Christian Abbiati<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legaseriea.it/uploads/default/attachments/comunicati/comunicati_m/4067/files/allegati/4072/cu_159.pdf |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201211231551/http://www.legaseriea.it/uploads/default/attachments/comunicati/comunicati_m/4067/files/allegati/4072/cu_159.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 December 2020 |title=Comunicato Ufficiale N. 159 |trans-title=Official Press Release No. 159 |publisher=Lega Serie A |page=5 |date=28 March 2014 |access-date=11 December 2020 |language=it }}</ref>
| fullname = Christian Abbiati
| dateofbirth = {{Birth date and age|mf=y|1977|7|8}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|7|8|df=y}}
| cityofbirth = [[Abbiategrasso]]
| birth_place = [[Abbiategrasso]], Italy
| height = 1.91 m<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/roster_player/39 |title=Christian Abbiati |publisher=AC Milan |access-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608102632/http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/roster_player/39 |archive-date=8 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| countryofbirth = [[Italy]]
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
| currentclub = [[A.C. Milan|Milan]]
| currentclub =
| clubnumber = 32
| youthyears1 = 1991–1992
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Championship]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[UEFA Euro 2000|2000 Belgium-Netherlands]]|[[UEFA Euro 2000 squads#Italy|Team]]}}
}}
}}
'''Christian Abbiati''' (born8July1977in[[Abbiategrasso]],[[ProvinceofMilan|Milan]]) is an [[Italians|Italian]] [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]] for [[Serie A]] club [[A.C. Milan|Milan]].
'''Christian Abbiati''' {{postnominals|post-noms=[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Cavaliere OMRI]]}} (born 8 July 1977) is an Italian former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]].
Abbiati, who had been with [[AC Milan]] since 1998, started his career with [[AC Monza Brianza 1912|Monza]], and later played more than 300 official matches for Milan. He also spent loan spells at [[Borgosesia Calcio]], [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], [[Torino FC|Torino]] and [[Atlético Madrid]]. His honours include three [[Serie A]] titles, one [[Coppa Italia]], two [[Supercoppa Italiana]] victories, one [[UEFA Champions League]] and one [[UEFA Super Cup]].
Christ is also nicknamed "the beast" by [http://www.facebook.com/acm.MILAN milan fans]
Although he was selected by [[Italy national football team|Italy]] at [[UEFA Euro 2000]] (where the team reached the final), and the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], he did not represent the nation until he made his international debut in a 2–1 friendly win against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] in 2003. In total, he was capped four times by the national team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passarin |first=Sara Greta |date=2022-05-26 |title=Christian Abbiati, la biografia dell'ex portiere del Milan |url=https://www.true-news.it/facts/chi-e-christian-abbiati-ex-portiere-del-milan-carriera-moglie-figlia-lavoro-iene |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=True News. |language=it-IT}}</ref>
==Club career==
===Milan===
Having begun his footballing career at the age of 13, for Trezzano and Assago, he moved to Corsico and in 1996 secured a move to Monza. He transferred to [[A.C. Milan]] in summer 1998. His debut in Serie A came on January 17, 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for [[Sebastiano Rossi]]. He then became Milan's first choice goalkeeper, for four years, until he lost his starting spot to backup [[Dida (goalkeeper)|Dida]] early in the 2002–2003 season after picking up an injury during a [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] qualifying match in August 2002. Dida's top form effectively ground Abbiati's playing time to a halt.
Abbiati currently holds the record for the most appearances as a goalkeeper for Milan (380).<ref name="Abbiati in Milan history books">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/40066/abbiati-milan-history-books|title=Abbiati in Milan history books|publisher=Football Italia|date=30 September 2013|access-date=1 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilmilanista.it/news-milan/20-anni-e-150-in-rossonero-donnarumma-da-talento-a-fenomeno-con-il-milan-nel-cuore/?intcmp=donnarumma-milan |title=20 anni e 150 in rossonero: Donnarumma da talento a fenomeno, con il Milan nel cuore |publisher=ilmilanista.it |language=it |date=11 February 2019 |access-date=11 February 2019 |archive-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225003753/https://www.ilmilanista.it/news-milan/20-anni-e-150-in-rossonero-donnarumma-da-talento-a-fenomeno-con-il-milan-nel-cuore/?intcmp=donnarumma-milan |url-status=dead }}</ref> In his prime, Abbiati was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy.
On 25 August 2004, a brief controversy surfaced when an editorial criticizing Dida and Milan coach [[Carlo Ancelotti]] appeared on Abbiati's official website, stating that Dida had made mistakes in a friendly against [[U.C. Sampdoria]] and that Ancelotti was blocking a move that would have sent Abbiati to [[U.S. Citta di Palermo|Palermo]].<ref name="abbiati">[http://www.christianabbiati.com/news.asp?ID=303 August 2004 editorial] – christianabbiati.it, 8/25/04 (in Italian)</ref> Abbiati denied that he'd written the piece and said that it had been posted by his webmaster. ''"I never speak to the person who looks after my site. I would never judge one of my teammates."''<ref name="ch4">[http://www.acmilan-online.com/archive/arc7-2004.php Abbiati calms Milan rift] – Football Italia, 8/26/04</ref> Though his webmaster claimed responsibility for the article, speculation nonetheless arose that it had been actually penned by Abbiati due to his frustration at warming the bench.
==Club career==
===AC Milan===
Abbiati's [[Serie A]] debut came on 17 January 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for [[Sebastiano Rossi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milannews.it/gli-ex/17-gennaio-1999-christian-abbiati-fa-il-suo-esordio-con-la-maglia-rossonera-438052|title=17 gennaio 1999: Christian Abbiati fa il suo esordio con la maglia rossonera}}</ref> Abbiati picked up a league title with [[AC Milan]] that season despite initially being third-choice goalkeeper behind Rossi and [[Jens Lehmann]], while also facing competition from reserve keeper [[Giorgio Frezzolini]]. Due to his performances, Abbiati eventually broke into the starting line-up, and in the final match of the season on 23 May, he made several decisive saves, including one on [[Cristian Bucchi]], as Milan celebrated winning the ''[[Scudetto]]'' following a 2–1 away win over [[Perugia Calcio|Perugia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pianetamilan.it/amarcord/tbt-23-maggio-1999-perugia-milan-1-2-scudetto-e-paratissima-di-abbiati/?intcm|title=#TBT – 23 maggio 1999: Perugia-Milan 1-2, Scudetto e paratissima di Abbiati|publisher=PianetaMilan.it|language=it|date=23 May 2017|access-date=23 May 2017|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719054158/http://www.pianetamilan.it/amarcord/tbt-23-maggio-1999-perugia-milan-1-2-scudetto-e-paratissima-di-abbiati/?intcm|url-status=dead}}</ref> He then became Milan's undisputed first choice goalkeeper for the next four years, until he lost his starting spot to backup [[Dida (footballer, born 1973)|Dida]] early in the [[2002–03 AC Milan season|2002–03 season]] after incurring an [[Sports injury|injury]] during a [[UEFA Champions League]] qualifying match in August 2002. Dida's top form effectively grounded Abbiati's playing time to a halt.
Abbiati literallyplayedallofthirtyseconds in Milan's 2004–05 Champions League campaign, when he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute after Dida had been struck by a flare thrown from the crowd during the quarterfinal second leg against [[F.C.InternazionaleMilano|Internazionale]],which was ultimately suspended less than a minute later. His last match in a Milan uniform came on May 20,2005 in a 3–3 home draw with Palermo, a match that saw the starters rested for the upcoming Champions League Final, which Milan lost to Liverpool after chucking away a 3–0 halftime lead.
Despite his relegation to the bench, Abbiati still managed to contribute to Milan's [[2002–03 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] and [[2002–03 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] victories that season. He appeared in Milan's [[2003 Supercoppa Italiana]] defeat to [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] on penalties, but Dida later regained his position as starting goalkeeper. Abbiati played one minute in Milan's [[2004–05 UEFA Champions League|2004–05 Champions League]] campaign, when he came on as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] in the 74th minute after Dida had been struck by a flare thrown from the crowd during the quarter-final second leg against [[Derby della Madonnina|cross-city rivals]] [[Inter Milan|Internazionale]] on 12 April 2005. The match was ultimately suspended less than a minute later. His last match in a Milan kit came on 20 May in a 3–3 home draw with [[US Città di Palermo|Palermo]], a match which saw the starters rested for the upcoming Champions League final, which Milan lost to [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] after squandering a 3–0 half-time lead. Milan finished second in [[2004–05 Serie A|Serie A]] that season.
===Loan spells===
===Loan spells===
Abbiati announced his desire to move to another club in order to contend for the#1 spot and was therefore loaned to [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]] for the 2005–06 season in July 2005, but he immediately returned to Milan after Genoa were relegated to Serie C1 due to a [[match-fixing]] scandal. He was soon on the move again, as he was shipped to [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]] as a temporary replacement for incumbent [[Gianluigi Buffon]], who had suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy match against Milan in August 2005. With long-awaited regular playing time at his disposal, he flourished with the ''Bianconeri,'' but when Buffon returned to the starting lineup six months later, Abbiati's services were no longer needed, and he left at the end of the season for another [[Turin]] squad when Milan loaned him to [[Torino F.C.]] in July 2006.
Abbiati announced his desire to move to another club in order to contend for a starting spot and was therefore [[Loan (sports)|loaned]] to [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]] for the 2005–06 season in July 2005, but he immediately returned to Milan after Genoa were relegated to [[Serie C1]] due to a match-fixing scandal.
[[Image:Christian Abbiati 2008.jpg|thumb|260px|right|Abbiati in 2008]]
====Juventus and Torino====
Despite expressing his desire to stay for another season, he and Torino ultimately parted ways due to a salary dispute. He was once again loaned out by Milan for the third time in three seasons, this time to Spanish club [[Atlético Madrid]] until June 2008.<ref name="slam">[http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2007/06/26/4292316-ap.html AC Milan to loan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati to Atletico Madrid] – SLAM! Sports, 6/26/07</ref> He began the season on the bench until an injury to incumbent [[Leo Franco]] put him in the starting lineup. On December 29, he expressed interest in staying with Atlético beyond the '07–08 season. ''"My adaptation has gone better than I expected. I am happy at this club because they have helped me so much. I like playing in Spain and I think I will learn a lot during the time that I have left here."''<ref name="atletico">[http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=529697 Abbiati Wants to Extend Atlético Stay] – Goal.com, 12/29/07</ref>
Abbiati was soon on the move again, joining Juventus as a temporary replacement for incumbent [[Gianluigi Buffon]], who had suffered a [[dislocated shoulder]] during the [[Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi|Luigi Berlusconi Trophy]] match against Milan in August 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gazzetta dello Sport Juve, Buffon fuori almeno due mesi|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/Primo_Piano/2005/08_Agosto/16/buffon.shtml|access-date=2020-10-06|website=gazzetta.it}}</ref> With long-awaited regular playing time at his disposal, he flourished with the ''Bianconeri'', but when Buffon returned to the starting lineup six months later, Abbiati's services were no longer needed, and he left at the end of the season for another [[Turin]] squad when Milan loaned him to [[Torino FC|Torino]] in July 2006. Although Juventus managed to win the [[2005–06 Serie A|Serie A]] title that season, it was later revoked due to their involvement in the ''[[Calciopoli]]'' scandal, and they were relegated to Serie B the following season.
===Returnto Milan===
====Atlético Madrid====
Despite expressing his desire to stay for another season, Abbiati and Torino ultimately parted ways due to a salary dispute. He was once again loaned out by Milan for the third time in three seasons, this time to Spanish club [[Atlético Madrid]] until June 2008.<ref name="slam">AC Milan to loan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati to Atletico Madrid – SLAM! Sports, 26 June 2007</ref> He began the season on the bench until an injury to incumbent [[Leo Franco]] put him in the starting lineup. On 29 December, he expressed interest in staying with Atlético beyond [[2007–08 Atlético Madrid season|2007–08 season]], saying, "My adaptation has gone better than I expected. I am happy at this club because they have helped me so much. I like playing in Spain and I think I will learn a lot during the time that I have left here."<ref name="atletico">[http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=529697 Abbiati Wants to Extend Atlético Stay] – Goal.com, 29 December 2007</ref>
Abbiati returned to Italy after being called back by Milan for the [[A.C. Milan 2008-09|2008–09 season]] and took over as first choice from [[Zeljko Kalac]] after a solid preseason. However, on March 15, 2009, his season was cut short following a severe knee injury in the first half of Milan's 5–1 league win over [[A.C. Siena]], after he suffered ligament damage to his right knee from a collision with teammate [[Giuseppe Favalli]]. He was ruled out of action for six months following rehabilitation and knee surgery.<ref name="afp">[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h585Yq_REP6U9_NvfKW3Nme3y-nw Complex knee injury rules Abbiati out for season] – AFP, 3/16/09</ref> In 28 appearances, he kept eleven clean sheets and conceded 27 goals. On November 8, nearly eight months after the injury, Abbiati was called up as Milan's third-choice behind Dida and new acquisition [[Flavio Roma]] for Milan's 2–1 road win over [[S.S. Lazio]].
===Return to AC Milan===
In 2010-11, Abbiati returned as the starting goalkeeper for Milan after Dida's departure. He added 2 more year to his contract in July.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/124891|title=VAI CHRISTIAN!|date=20 July 2010|accessdate=6 May 2011|work=AC Milan|language=Italian}}</ref> He made some crucial saves in the first half of the season and it was his performances that helped Milan hold top spot by January 2011. On 7 May 2011, after a series of good performances in crucial matches in the second half of the season, Milan clinched their first Serie A trophy in 7 years.
[[File:Christian Abbiati 2012.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Abbiati with [[AC Milan]] in 2012]]
Abbiati returned to Italy after being called back by Milan for the [[2008–09 AC Milan season|2008–09 season]] and took over as first choice from [[Zeljko Kalac]] after a solid pre-season. However, on 15 March 2009, his season was cut short following a severe knee injury in the first half of Milan's 5–1 league win over [[ACR Siena 1904|Siena]], after he suffered [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury|ligament damage to his right knee]] from a collision with teammate [[Giuseppe Favalli]]. He was ruled out of action for six months following [[Physical therapy|rehabilitation]] and knee surgery.<ref name="afp">[https://archive.today/20130124165636/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h585Yq_REP6U9_NvfKW3Nme3y-nw Complex knee injury rules Abbiati out for season] – AFP, 16 March 2009</ref> In 28 appearances, he kept 11 clean sheets and conceded 27 goals. On 8 November, nearly eight months after the injury, Abbiati was called up as Milan's third-choice behind Dida and new acquisition [[Flavio Roma]] for Milan's 2–1 away win over [[SS Lazio|Lazio]].
In [[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11]], Abbiati returned as starting goalkeeper for Milan after Dida's departure. He added two more year to his contract in July 2010, to last until 30 June 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/124891|title=VAI CHRISTIAN!|work=AC Milan|language=it|date=20 July 2010|access-date=6 May 2011}}</ref> He made some crucial saves in the first half of the season and was one of the primary reasons to Milan holding a top spot by January 2011. On 7 May 2011, after a series of good performances in crucial matches in the second half of the season, Milan clinched their first Serie A trophy in seven years. Abbiati followed up this victory by winning the [[Supercoppa Italiana]] over Internazionale, although they were unable to defend the ''Scudetto'', finishing second to champions Juventus.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}
On 20 May 2013 Abbiati signed a new one-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/41198|title=ABBIATI: A.C. MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE|date=20 May 2013|access-date=24 May 2014|publisher=AC Milan|language=it}}</ref> In September 2013, he broke Sebastiano Rossi's record for the most appearances as a goalkeeper for Milan.<ref name="Abbiati in Milan history books"/> His contract was renewed again on 21 May 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/59142|title=AC MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE|date=21 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2014|publisher=AC Milan|language=it}}</ref> In the [[2014–15 Serie A]] season, he was named Milan's second-choice goalkeeper following the arrival of former [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]] goalkeeper [[Diego López Rodríguez|Diego López]]. He received a new one-year contract extension on 1 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/157862|title=Abbiati: prolungamento ufficiale al 30 Giugno 2016.|website=acmilan.com|language=it|access-date=12 July 2015}}</ref>
During the [[2015–16 Serie A]] season, Abbiati became Milan's third-choice goalkeeper behind 16-year-old [[Gianluigi Donnarumma]]. He made five appearances in the [[2015–16 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], as he helped Milan to reach the final of the tournament, but was benched in favour of Donnarumma in Milan's 1–0 loss to Juventus in the final. Although it was initially unknown whether Abbiati would return for [[2016–17 Serie A|the 2016–17 season]], he officially announced on 13 May that he would be retiring at the end of the season. Despite Milan announcing that Abbiati would make his final appearance in the season finale against [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] on 14 May, Abbiati instead opted to let Donnarumma start due to the importance of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/84353/abbiati-goodbye-not-what-i-expected|title=Abbiati: 'Goodbye not what I expected'|publisher=Football Italia|date=14 May 2016|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/84419/abbiati-%E2%80%98respect-shirt%E2%80%99|title=Abbiati: 'Respect the shirt!'|publisher=Football Italia|date=16 May 2016|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> In total, Abbiati managed 281 league appearances during his 15 years with the club.<ref name="Abbiati to retire">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/84273/official-abbiati-retire|title=Official: Abbiati to retire|publisher=Football Italia|date=13 May 2016|access-date=13 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzettaworld.com/news/serie-a/milan/abbiati-set-to-retire/?refresh_ce-cp|title=AC Milan keeper readies for final San Siro bow|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|author1=Ogo Sylla|date=13 May 2016|access-date=13 May 2016}}</ref>
==International career==
==International career==
Abbiati received his first call-up for [[Italian national football team|Italy]] as the third goalkeeper for [[Euro 2000]], and was part of the squad that participated in the [[2000 Summer Olympics]]. However, he did not earn his first cap until a 2–1 victory over [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] on April 30, 2003. Abbiati was left off the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]] roster but he was recalled to the national team in September 2006. In March 2009, three days before his season-ending knee injury, he said that he would refuse a future call-up for Italy in a non-starting role.<ref name="goal">[http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/12/1151930/milans-abbiati-i-dont-want-to-be-third-choice-for-italy Milan's Abbiati: I Don't Want To Be Third Choice For Italy] – Goal.com, 3/12/09</ref>
Abbiati received his first call-up for [[Italian national football team|Italy]] as the third goalkeeper for [[UEFA Euro 2000]], after Gianluigi Buffon withdrew from the squad through injury, and was part of the squad that participated in the [[2000 Summer Olympics]]. However, he did not earn his first cap until a 2–1 victory over [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] on 30 April 2003. Abbiati was left off the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] roster but was recalled to the national team in September 2006. In March 2009, three days before his season-ending knee injury, he said that he would refuse a future call-up for Italy in a non-starting role.<ref name="goal">[http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/12/1151930/milans-abbiati-i-dont-want-to-be-third-choice-for-italy Milan's Abbiati: I Don't Want To Be Third Choice For Italy] – Goal.com, 12 March 2009</ref> In total, he made four appearances for Italy.<ref name="Abbiati to retire"/>
==After retirement==
In June 2017, it was announced in a statement published on Milan's official website that Abbiati would be joining the club once again as a club manager, acting as a liaison between the team and the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/ac-milan/story/3143602/christian-abbiati-returns-to-ac-milan-as-new-club-manager|title=Christian Abbiati returns to AC Milan as new club manager|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Ben Gladwell|date=14 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref>
==Style of play==
In his prime, Abbiati was a physically strong, reliable and reactive keeper. Throughout his career, he stood out for his longevity, work-rate, leadership and composure in goal, as well as his ability to rush off of his line or come out to claim crosses, despite initially being somewhat indecisive in this area in his youth. Although his performances became more inconsistent during the later years of his career, he was initially regarded as one of the most talented young Italian goalkeepers of his generation since his emergence with Milan in Serie A during the late 1990s, and he subsequently cemented himself as one of the best Italian goalkeepers of his generation, as well as one of the best shot-stoppers in Serie A.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/ottobre/02/Abbiati_una_sicurezza_co_0_0010022861.shtml|title=Abbiati è una sicurezza|trans-title=Abbiati is a guarantee|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=2 October 2000|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/maggio/20/Abbiati_dopo_favola_lieto_fine_ga_0_9905208660.shtml|title=Abbiati, dopo la favola il lieto fine|trans-title=Abbiati, after the fable a happy ending|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Alessandra Bocci|date=20 May 1999|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/marzo/24/Sanctis_Abbiati_quattro_mani_per_ga_0_9903247311.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=De Sanctis e Abbiati, quattro mani per Tardelli|trans-title=De Sanctis and Abbiati, four hands for Tardelli|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Licari Fabio|date=24 March 1999|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/gazzetta-abbiati-sicurezza-e-affidabilita-leader-silenzioso-il-portiere-sta-pensando-di-proseguire-un-altro-anno-196368|title=Gazzetta - Abbiati, sicurezza e affidabilità: leader silenzioso, il portiere sta pensando di proseguire un altro anno|trans-title=Gazzetta - Abbiati, safety and reliability: a silent leader, the goalkeeper is thinking of continuing another year|publisher=MilanNews.it|language=it|author1=Salvatore Trovato|date=19 December 2015|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref>
==Political views==
In September 2008, Abbiati sparked controversy and criticism from the Italian media when he declared he was a [[Italian Fascism|fascist]] during an interview with Italian sports magazine ''Sportweek''.<ref name="repubblica.it">{{cite web|title=Quel fascino per la camicia nera che cresce nel mondo del calcio|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/10/sezioni/sport/calcio/calciatori-fascisti/calciatori-fascisti/calciatori-fascisti.html|access-date=14 November 2014|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it}}</ref> He later stated he rejected the fascist racial laws and aggressive foreign policies, but declared he was "not ashamed to proclaim" his far-right ideology. "I share [the] ideals of fascism, such as the fatherland and the values of the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] religion."<ref name="repubblica.it"/><ref name="fascist">[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/sep/27/italy.acmilan I'm a fascist, says AC Milan star Christian Abbiati] – ''The Guardian'', 27 September 2008</ref>
==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Abbiati is married to an Italian woman, Stefania Abbiati.<ref name="La nascita di Giulia"/> Their daughter, Giulia, was born on 30 January 2000.<ref name="La nascita di Giulia">{{cite web|title=La nascita di Giulia|url=http://christianabbiati.it/storia.asp?page=3&ordine=3&tipo_p=0|work=christianabbiati.it|access-date=6 April 2013|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040903111809/http://www.christianabbiati.it/storia.asp?page=3|archive-date=3 September 2004}}</ref>
In September 2008, Abbiati declared that he was a [[Italian Fascism|fascist]]. ''"I am not ashamed to proclaim my political beliefs. I share [the] ideals of fascism, such as the fatherland and the values of the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] religion."''<ref name="fascist">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/27/italy.acmilan I'm a fascist, says AC Milan star Christian Abbiati] – ''The Guardian'', 27 September 2008</ref>
==Career statistics==
===Club===
{{updated|24 May 2016}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Marco Amelia |url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/roster_player/12 |publisher=AC Milan |access-date=27 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404201230/http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/roster_player/12 |archive-date=4 April 2014 }}</ref>
| colspan=3 | [[Italy national football team|Italy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/8290/Christian_Abbiati.html|title=Christian Abbiati|publisher=National football team|access-date=13 March 2014}}</ref>
|-
!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|2003||2||0
|-
|2005||2||0
|-
!Total||4||0
|}
==Honours==
==Honours==
===Milan===
===Club===
'''AC Milan'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/teams/roster_player/39|title=Christian Abbiati - A.C. Milan Profile|publisher=A.C. Milan.com|access-date=16 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/christian-abbiati_prs734/person.shtml|title=Christian Abbiati|publisher=Eurosport|access-date=16 December 2015}}</ref>
*[[Serie A]]: [[Serie A 1998-99|1998–99]], [[Serie A 2003-04|2003–04]], [[Serie A 2010-11|2010–11]]
* [[Serie A]]: [[1998–99 Serie A|1998–99]], [[2003–04 Serie A|2003–04]], [[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11]]
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[UEFA Champions League 2002-03|2002–03]]
* [[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2003 UEFA Super Cup|2003]]
* [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]] runner-up: [[2003 Intercontinental Cup|2003]]
===International===
'''Italy'''
*[[UEFA European Championship]] runner-up: [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/christian-abbiati/4198/|title=C. Abbiati|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=16 December 2015}}</ref>
===Individual===
* AC Milan Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/christian-abbiati|title=A.C. Milan Hall of Fame: Christian Abbiati|publisher=A.C. Milan|access-date=13 May 2017}}</ref>
===Orders===
:[[Image:Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg|left|50px]] 5th Class / Knight: ''[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana]]'': 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=78090 |title=Abbiati Sig. Christian - Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana |work=quirinale.it |language=it |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429094140/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=78090 |archive-date=29 April 2014 }}</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.christianabbiati.com Official website] {{it icon}}
Although he was selected by Italy at UEFA Euro 2000 (where the team reached the final), and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he did not represent the nation until he made his international debut in a 2–1 friendly win against Switzerland in 2003. In total, he was capped four times by the national team.[3]
Abbiati currently holds the record for the most appearances as a goalkeeper for Milan (380).[4][5] In his prime, Abbiati was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy.
Abbiati's Serie A debut came on 17 January 1999 as a 92nd-minute substitute for Sebastiano Rossi.[6] Abbiati picked up a league title with AC Milan that season despite initially being third-choice goalkeeper behind Rossi and Jens Lehmann, while also facing competition from reserve keeper Giorgio Frezzolini. Due to his performances, Abbiati eventually broke into the starting line-up, and in the final match of the season on 23 May, he made several decisive saves, including one on Cristian Bucchi, as Milan celebrated winning the Scudetto following a 2–1 away win over Perugia.[7] He then became Milan's undisputed first choice goalkeeper for the next four years, until he lost his starting spot to backup Dida early in the 2002–03 season after incurring an injury during a UEFA Champions League qualifying match in August 2002. Dida's top form effectively grounded Abbiati's playing time to a halt.
Despite his relegation to the bench, Abbiati still managed to contribute to Milan's Coppa Italia and Champions League victories that season. He appeared in Milan's 2003 Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Juventus on penalties, but Dida later regained his position as starting goalkeeper. Abbiati played one minute in Milan's 2004–05 Champions League campaign, when he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute after Dida had been struck by a flare thrown from the crowd during the quarter-final second leg against cross-city rivalsInternazionale on 12 April 2005. The match was ultimately suspended less than a minute later. His last match in a Milan kit came on 20 May in a 3–3 home draw with Palermo, a match which saw the starters rested for the upcoming Champions League final, which Milan lost to Liverpool after squandering a 3–0 half-time lead. Milan finished second in Serie A that season.
Abbiati announced his desire to move to another club in order to contend for a starting spot and was therefore loaned to Genoa for the 2005–06 season in July 2005, but he immediately returned to Milan after Genoa were relegated to Serie C1 due to a match-fixing scandal.
Abbiati was soon on the move again, joining Juventus as a temporary replacement for incumbent Gianluigi Buffon, who had suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy match against Milan in August 2005.[8] With long-awaited regular playing time at his disposal, he flourished with the Bianconeri, but when Buffon returned to the starting lineup six months later, Abbiati's services were no longer needed, and he left at the end of the season for another Turin squad when Milan loaned him to Torino in July 2006. Although Juventus managed to win the Serie A title that season, it was later revoked due to their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, and they were relegated to Serie B the following season.
Despite expressing his desire to stay for another season, Abbiati and Torino ultimately parted ways due to a salary dispute. He was once again loaned out by Milan for the third time in three seasons, this time to Spanish club Atlético Madrid until June 2008.[9] He began the season on the bench until an injury to incumbent Leo Franco put him in the starting lineup. On 29 December, he expressed interest in staying with Atlético beyond 2007–08 season, saying, "My adaptation has gone better than I expected. I am happy at this club because they have helped me so much. I like playing in Spain and I think I will learn a lot during the time that I have left here."[10]
Abbiati returned to Italy after being called back by Milan for the 2008–09 season and took over as first choice from Zeljko Kalac after a solid pre-season. However, on 15 March 2009, his season was cut short following a severe knee injury in the first half of Milan's 5–1 league win over Siena, after he suffered ligament damage to his right knee from a collision with teammate Giuseppe Favalli. He was ruled out of action for six months following rehabilitation and knee surgery.[11] In 28 appearances, he kept 11 clean sheets and conceded 27 goals. On 8 November, nearly eight months after the injury, Abbiati was called up as Milan's third-choice behind Dida and new acquisition Flavio Roma for Milan's 2–1 away win over Lazio.
In 2010–11, Abbiati returned as starting goalkeeper for Milan after Dida's departure. He added two more year to his contract in July 2010, to last until 30 June 2013.[12] He made some crucial saves in the first half of the season and was one of the primary reasons to Milan holding a top spot by January 2011. On 7 May 2011, after a series of good performances in crucial matches in the second half of the season, Milan clinched their first Serie A trophy in seven years. Abbiati followed up this victory by winning the Supercoppa Italiana over Internazionale, although they were unable to defend the Scudetto, finishing second to champions Juventus.[citation needed]
On 20 May 2013 Abbiati signed a new one-year contract.[13] In September 2013, he broke Sebastiano Rossi's record for the most appearances as a goalkeeper for Milan.[4] His contract was renewed again on 21 May 2014.[14] In the 2014–15 Serie A season, he was named Milan's second-choice goalkeeper following the arrival of former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego López. He received a new one-year contract extension on 1 July 2015.[15]
During the 2015–16 Serie A season, Abbiati became Milan's third-choice goalkeeper behind 16-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma. He made five appearances in the Coppa Italia, as he helped Milan to reach the final of the tournament, but was benched in favour of Donnarumma in Milan's 1–0 loss to Juventus in the final. Although it was initially unknown whether Abbiati would return for the 2016–17 season, he officially announced on 13 May that he would be retiring at the end of the season. Despite Milan announcing that Abbiati would make his final appearance in the season finale against Roma on 14 May, Abbiati instead opted to let Donnarumma start due to the importance of the match.[16][17] In total, Abbiati managed 281 league appearances during his 15 years with the club.[18][19]
Abbiati received his first call-up for Italy as the third goalkeeper for UEFA Euro 2000, after Gianluigi Buffon withdrew from the squad through injury, and was part of the squad that participated in the 2000 Summer Olympics. However, he did not earn his first cap until a 2–1 victory over Switzerland on 30 April 2003. Abbiati was left off the 2006 FIFA World Cup roster but was recalled to the national team in September 2006. In March 2009, three days before his season-ending knee injury, he said that he would refuse a future call-up for Italy in a non-starting role.[20] In total, he made four appearances for Italy.[18]
In June 2017, it was announced in a statement published on Milan's official website that Abbiati would be joining the club once again as a club manager, acting as a liaison between the team and the club.[21]
In his prime, Abbiati was a physically strong, reliable and reactive keeper. Throughout his career, he stood out for his longevity, work-rate, leadership and composure in goal, as well as his ability to rush off of his line or come out to claim crosses, despite initially being somewhat indecisive in this area in his youth. Although his performances became more inconsistent during the later years of his career, he was initially regarded as one of the most talented young Italian goalkeepers of his generation since his emergence with Milan in Serie A during the late 1990s, and he subsequently cemented himself as one of the best Italian goalkeepers of his generation, as well as one of the best shot-stoppers in Serie A.[22][23][24][25]
In September 2008, Abbiati sparked controversy and criticism from the Italian media when he declared he was a fascist during an interview with Italian sports magazine Sportweek.[26] He later stated he rejected the fascist racial laws and aggressive foreign policies, but declared he was "not ashamed to proclaim" his far-right ideology. "I share [the] ideals of fascism, such as the fatherland and the values of the Catholic religion."[26][27]
^"Comunicato Ufficiale N. 159" [Official Press Release No. 159] (PDF) (in Italian). Lega Serie A. 28 March 2014. p. 5. Archived from the original(PDF) on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
^"Abbiati è una sicurezza" [Abbiati is a guarantee] (in Italian). Il Corriere della Sera. 2 October 2000. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
^Alessandra Bocci (20 May 1999). "Abbiati, dopo la favola il lieto fine" [Abbiati, after the fable a happy ending] (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
