El Shaarawy pens new Milan deal

Stephan El Shaarawy has extended his deal with AC Milan by one additional year until June 30, 2018.



The 20-year-old Italy international, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, will remain with I Rossoneri until 30 June 2018.



A statement on the club's official website read: "Stephan El Shaarawy and Milan have prolonged their professional relationship with a signature that arrived today."



El Shaarawy made a quiet start to his career at the San Siro after leaving Genoa in June 2011, scoring only two goals as Milan surrendered their league title to Juventus last season.



With several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly showing interest in the striker, El Shaarawy was handed an improved deal running until June 2017 at the end of 2011/12.



Having made his Italy U-21 debut with Milan, the forward missed out on a place at UEFA EURO 2012, but made his full international debut in a friendly against England in August.



As Milan suffered their worst start to a Serie A season in decades, losing six of their first 12 matches, El Shaarawy's return of 14 league goals before the new year kept them out of the relegation zone.



The January arrival of his international team-mate Mario Balotelli from Manchester City has seen El Shaarawy take a more auxiliary role in attack, but his goal in Sunday's Milan derby ensured a point from a 1-1 draw with Inter.



Last week, El Shaarawy provided the crucial pass for Sulley Muntari to score the second goal as Milan beat Barcelona 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

El Shaarawy applauds Handanovic performance

AC Milan attacker Stephan El Shaarawy has praised Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the wake of Sunday's 1-1 draw in Serie A.



The Italy forward gave the Rossoneri the lead before the interval and Mario Balotelli had a number of chances to extend their lead.



However, Handanovic kept his side in the game with a string of fine saves, before Ezequiel Schelotto eventually restored parity in the second half.



"In the first half we created a lot but Handanovic played a fantastic game and made some really great saves," El Shaarawy told the Milan website.



"The result was a bit disappointing as we deserved to win based on how we played."



El Shaarawy was delighted with his goal, stating that scoring in the derby is a unique feeling.



"It was a great ball from (Kevin-)Prince (Boateng) that set me up. I'm happy with the goal as scoring in a derby is a really unique experience," he said.



"I will watch the goal again and again, it was a moment of great satisfaction."



The youngster picked up a minor knee injury in Sunday's draw, but stressed that the knock does not appear to be too serious.



"My knee is a bit sore but I'm sure we'll be able to take care of that," he said.



Milan sit third in Serie A with 45 points from 26 games.