Milan extends Gattuso's terms through 2021

Gennaro Gattuso has been rewarded for his efforts at the helm of AC Milan, with the fiery former Rossonero defensive midfielder putting pen to paper on a new contract through 2021.

Milan announced the news with a statement on its website Thursday, adding that Gattuso will extend a stay that was set to lapse this summer.

Gattuso, who was appointed Vincenzo Montella's replacement on Nov. 27 2017, was previously in charge of the club's Primavera youth set-up. The 40-year-old has been at the wheel for 25 matches, recording a 52 percent win percentage for sixth-placed Milan. Montella was sacked after winning just six of Milan's opening 14 league matches despite a frenzied summer signing spree that saw the club spend in excess of €200 million on players.

A fan favourite, Gattuso has been credited with instituting stability and accountability at the club, and his quotes about the perils of spending more on transfers has drawn the support of Milan's Chinese ownership consortium.

The gig with the 18-time Serie A winner is his fifth first-team appointment following a player-manager role with Swiss side Sion, and spells with Palermo, Greek outfit OFI Crete, and third-tier Pisa.

The tough-tackling midfielder spent 13 seasons at Milan, winning Serie A on two occasions to go with two Champions League triumphs and a trio of domestic cups.