22 Facts About Christian Abbiati

Christian Abbiati was born on 8 July 1977 and is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Christian Abbiati spent loan spells at Borgosesia Calcio, Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid.

Christian Abbiati's honours include three Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, two Supercoppa Italiana victories, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Super Cup.

Christian Abbiati currently holds the record for the most appearances as a goalkeeper for Milan.

Christian Abbiati picked up a league title with AC Milan that season despite initially being third-choice goalkeeper behind Rossi and Jens Lehmann, while facing competition from reserve keeper Giorgio Frezzolini.

Dida's top form effectively grounded Christian Abbiati's playing time to a halt.

Christian Abbiati appeared in Milan's 2003 Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Juventus on penalties, but Dida later regained his position as starting goalkeeper.

Christian Abbiati was 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.

Christian Abbiati was loaned out by Milan for the third time in three seasons, this time to Spanish club Atletico Madrid until June 2008.

Christian Abbiati began the season on the bench until an injury to incumbent Leo Franco put him in the starting lineup.

Christian Abbiati was ruled out of action for six months following rehabilitation and knee surgery.

Christian Abbiati added two more year to his contract in July 2010, to last until 30 June 2013.

Christian Abbiati 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.

Christian Abbiati followed up this victory by winning the Supercoppa Italiana over Inter Milan, although they were unable to defend the Scudetto, finishing second to champions Juventus.

On 20 May 2013 Christian Abbiati signed a new one-year contract.

Christian Abbiati's contract was renewed again on 21 May 2014.

Christian Abbiati received a new one-year contract extension on 1 July 2015.

In total, Christian Abbiati managed 281 league appearances during his 15 years with the club.

Christian 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.

Christian Abbiati was left off the 2006 FIFA World Cup roster but was recalled to the national team in September 2006.

In June 2017, it was announced in a statement published on Milan's official website that Christian Abbiati would be joining the club as a club manager, acting as a liaison between the team and the club.

In September 2008, Christian Abbiati sparked controversy and criticism from the Italian media when he declared he was a fascist during an interview with Italian sports magazine Sportweek.