Total football: Emirates sponsors AC Milan

Dubai : Emirates has scored a belter by announcing a new sponsorship deal with Italian football giants, AC Milan.

The international airline of the UAE, which has become a global powerhouse for sports sponsorship, revealed the Dh300 million partnership in the presence of superstars Ronaldinho and David Beckham.

"We like to give sports fans something to shout about and this exciting shirt sponsorship deal certainly does that," said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

Shaikh Ahmad, who was represented at a press conference yesterday in Milan by Boutros Boutros, the airline's Divisional Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications, added: "Once again, Emirates has demonstrated its unstinting support for the world of sports, while extending our relationship with one of the leading iconic football brands.

"Needless to say, in the current economic climate, our enhanced commitment to the club, Italy and sports fans across the globe takes on an even greater significance."

Emirates first signed a sponsorship agreement with AC Milan in September 2007. The following year, the relationship was elevated to Top Institutional Sponsor. The prestigious shirt sponsor deal, spread over five years, will become visible from the start of the 2010/2011 season.

AC Milan's Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Adriano Galliani, joined Beckham, Boutros, Ronaldinho, team captain Massimo Ambrosini and coach Leonardo at the press call at Milanello, AC Milan's training ground.

Galliani said: "When Emirates became one of our sponsors, the relationship that linked the two companies grew and evolved, thanks to a common vision and common objectives. Today, we have reached the most important target — Emirates has become our shirt sponsor and has positioned its brand on the most successful club in the world.

"This choice shows that the global values of the AC Milan brand and the quality of our offering keeps on attracting the most dynamic and innovative international companies."

Other teams sponsored by the carrier include Paris Saint Germain, Hamburg, Olympiacos FC and Arsenal.

A history of sponsorship

Football: Sponsors of English Premiership club Arsenal, German giants Hamburg, French side Paris Saint Germain and Greece's Olympiakos.

Rugby: Construction of The Sevens, which was purpose-built for the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Sponsors of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, IRB referees and match officials and Dubai Rugby Sevens.

Cricket: Sponsors of Cricket Australia, Lord's Taverners and the Pro Arch Tournament as well as shirt sponsors for ICC cricket umpires. Emirates are official partners of the International Cricket Council and major sponsors of the Indian Premier League outfit Kings XI Punjab.

Horse racing: Dubai World Cup, Melbourne Cup and Singapore Derby.