Abate: Milan rejected Zenit offer to keep me

AC Milan right back Ignazio Abate has claimed the club's CEO, Adriano Galliani, turned down an offer from Zenit St Petersburg for his services.

The 26-year-old insisted the Russian giants were interested in his signature during the January transfer window, but the club's vice-president rejected the bid without hesitating.

"When Galliani informed me of Zenit’s offer he didn't even consider it," Abate told Forza Milan. "He simply asked me to stay. He’s the person that wanted me at Milan and he’s never thought of selling me."

The Italy international went on to say that his side had also turned down an approach from Fiorentina for him when the Rossoneri won Serie A in 2011.

"In the year of the Scudetto, he even turned down an offer from Fiorentina for me," Abate stated.

Milan is currently two points clear of the Viola in the final Champions League place heading into the final game of the season.