Bierhoff Milan boost

Bierhoff: safe at the San Siro

Germany skipper Oliver Bierhoff has received a boost ahead of Euro 2000 with the news that Milan want to keep him next season.

Bierhoff has not scored at international level for nearly 600 minutes, and has endured a miserable season at the San Siro, scoring just 11 goals.

There had been considerable speculation that Bierhoff, who will lead Germany's attack in the tournament, would be sold.

I told him to his face yesterday that he will stay at Milan next year, because there are very few players around with his skills

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani

But Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says that the 32-year-old Bierhoff will be staying put.

"Oliver is a key member of the squad here at Milan and he must stay calm and focused," he said.

"I told him to his face yesterday that he will stay at Milan next year, because there are very few players around with his skills," Galliani told the club's official website.

Bierhoff's poor form saw him lose his place in the Milan side towards the end of last season as coach Alberto Zaccheroni preferred young Spanish striker Jose Mari as partner for Ukranian Andriy Shevchenko.

Bierhoff in action for Germany

But he was recalled for the 4-0 win over Udinese, ending the season with a goal and getting a great reception from the San Siro crowd.

The German, who worked his way up the ladder in Italy after making his mark with Ascoli in Serie B, managed just 11 league goals this season - his lowest tally in five seasons in Serie A with Udinese and Milan.

But Galliani feels Bierhoff's qualities go beyond his ability to put the ball in the net.

"Even when he doesn't score, he will always free someone else up to put the ball in the net," he said.