'Gooch is my hero'

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Nov 6, 2010

[AMERICANS ABROAD] It's been a tough year for Oguchi Onyewu, who hasn't played a competitive game for AC Milan since being injured in October 2009. On Friday, Italian media reported the U.S. defender came to blows with his Milan teammate, Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, prompting practice to be stopped.

The incident took place at the famed Milanello during practice and was reportedly prompted by a hard challenge by Ibrahimovic, known for his fiery temperament.

“It was a fairly lively fight,” Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, told SkySports24. "It happens when there is a rather rough tackle. The players have worked it out. I spoke to Ibra and Onyewu. I am certain that for both the incident is closed.”

Onyewu injured his knee in World Cup qualifying. Though he played in two games for the United States at the 2010 World Cup, he has failed to break into the Milan first team this season.

Onyewu, who was not included on Milan's Champions League roster, has the support of his U.S. teammates.

Friday's tweet by fellow American Jozy Altidore: “Gooch is my hero.”