For those of you who don’t know of him, Oguchialu “Oguchi” Onyewu AKA Gooch is a US Soccer star who currently plays his club soccer for Italian power house AC Milan. Much more significantly for this blog he is a local lad who has made it big.

Gooch grew up a stone’s throw from Bethesda in the Olney/ Silver Spring area and after playing for a couple of years at Clemson headed to Europe to further his career. After signing for AC Milan he sustained a serious injury and has spent most of the last year injured. He is now getting back to full fitness and will be representing Team USA in South Africa at the World Cup starting in mid-June.

Gooch made news today by signing a one year contract extension with AC Milan and deciding to play that additional season for free to make up for the fact that he has not played for his club this past year. The club clearly appreciated it and issued a statement that included the following:

“Onyewu – who has been out for virtually the whole season due to injury, but who at this time is getting ready to face the World Cup adventure in South Africa with his national team – has become a star today with a significant gesture from a personal and professional standpoint.

“Onyewu has requested and obtained a contract extension from June 30, 2012 until June 30, 2013.

“With respect to that year, as was his wish, which has been appreciated by the club, Onyewu has asked not to receive any type of wages.

“This is an exemplary gesture that deserves our sincere congratulations.”

Well done Gooch — you are a class act!