AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has thanked fans for supportive messages after a broken leg injury ended his World Cup hopes.

Montolivo broke his tibia against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

The Milan midfielder, who is due to undergo surgery tomorrow, took to Twitter to express his gratitude to fans.

"It was a blow, but your affection has made me smile again," Montolivo wrote. "Now I will become a fan like all of you to support my teammates! Forza Azzurri!"