"AC Milan announces that Gianluca Zambrotta has extended his contract until June 30, 2012," the Rossoneri said in a statement on their official website.

The 33-year-old's previous deal was due to expire next summer but Milan, who finished third in the Serie A last term, opted to keep hold of him although he hardly evokes his heydays.

Zambrotta, who played in Italy's disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa, joined Milan from Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer of 2008.

He is the third player to commit his future to Milan within a week after fellow full-back Massimo Oddo and goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.