Football United

Dutch international defender Jaap Stam has left S.S. Lazio to join Italian champions AC Milan on a two-year deal.

Reunited with Nesta
The 31-year-old centre back, who only had 12 months to run on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico, will rejoin his former Lazio team-mate Alessandro Nesta at the heart of the Milan defence. Stam, who has moved for an undisclosed fee, helped Lazio lift the Coppa Italia this season.

United stay
Stam made his name in his homeland with PSV Eindhoven before a €16.7m transfer to Manchester United FC, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League in 1999. He claimed three successive Premiership titles at Old Trafford before switching to Lazio three years ago for €26.8m.

Second signing
"I'm really happy about this signing," said Milan captain Paolo Maldini. "We don't look at the long term. We want to win immediately and Stam is a great player." Stam is the second arrival at the San Siro for next season, following the capture of Olympique Lyonnais midfield player Vikash Dhorasoo.