Milan, Italy (My Sportsbook) - United States central defender Oguchi Onyewu signed a three-year deal with AC Milan on Tuesday, becoming the first American to join Serie A in more than a decade.

Onyewu, 27, was with Standard Liege in Belgium from 2004-09, and was targeted by many of Europe's top clubs following his performance in the Confederations Cup last month. The U.S. advanced to the final, losing 3-2 to Brazil.

His contract with Standard Liege, which he helped win two consecutive Belgian titles in 2008-09, expired at the end of last season. Onyewu joins AC Milan on a free transfer.

Onyewu won U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2006, becoming the first defender since Alexi Lalas in 1995 to win the award.

Lalas was the last American to play in Serie A. He played with Padova, which is no longer in Serie A, from 1994-96.

Onyewu started his club career with France's Metz in 2002, and also spent time on loan with Belgium's La Louviere and England's Newcastle United.

He has made 47 appearances for the U.S. national team, scoring five goals.

Financial details of Onyewu's contract were not disclosed.