Ronaldinho Signs With AC Milan

[manutd.]

RONALDINHO: THE TIME WAS RIGHT

AC Milan's new signing Ronaldinho claims the time was right to make his move to the San Siro.

The 28-year-old trained on Friday for the first time with his new team-mates after completing his move to the Rossoneri 24 hours earlier.

The former two-time World Player of the Year signed a three-year contract at the San Siro after enduring a frustrating campaign with Barcelona.

"I believe this was the right time to arrive to AC Milan," said Ronaldinho.

"I have come to Milan with the idea of winning and I hope I can clinch many titles at this winning club. I'm still young but I hope my experience can be of help for our aims."

Ronaldinho had been a target for AC Milan in previous years but Barca had been reluctant to sell the Brazil international until now.

Milan finally secured the services of the playmaker with a 21million euro bid as they edged out Premier League side Manchester City.

He is thought to be Milan's final purchase of the summer and his arrival has generated a wave of excitement which the Italian media are calling "Dinho mania".

Thousands of spectators gathered outside Milanello in the hope of catching a glimpse of Milan's new signing on Wednesday while 40,000 fans turned up to the San Siro 24 hours later for his presentation ceremony.

"I want to thank the fans for their warm welcome," said Ronaldinho.

"This is something that really motivates me and I hope I can repay them."

AC Milan fans will have to be patient to watch Ronaldinho in action in the Rossoneri colours, as the playmaker will soon join Brazil in preparation for next month's Olympic Games in Beijing.

Ronaldinho is looking forward to making his debut in Serie A after five seasons at the Nou Camp.

Injury woes and lack of form saw Ronaldinho lose his starting spot at Barca last term, but the South American star is eager to demonstrate the skills that twice saw him win the World Player of the Year award.

"The Italian league is one of the most competitive tournaments in the world," he said. "I cannot say much about the league because I haven't played in it.

"But I am very positive and I think things will go better."

Milan will be hoping that will be the case as they hope to bounce back from last season's disappointing campaign where they finished fifth, a result that saw them miss out on a Champions League spot.

"Whoever has had the opportunity to play in such a prestigious competition as the Champions League knows its importance," said Ronaldinho, who won the trophy in the 2005-06 campaign.

"Not to be able to play in this competition this year motivates me all the more to help Milan return to play in the Champions League."

[oLi]

Thanks for that quotation Borg
Interesting to see how positive he is! I hope his joy sticks on the field aswell!

[moby]

i think he might do well. but lets see if he copes with the italian football

[Chunkchenko]

Ronaldinho, Pato, Kaka, Boriello, Pirlo, Gattuso, Flamini and Nesta will run train on Seria A next season. i just hope Dida can hit some sort of form now or use Abbiati instead Kalac is just a disgrace.

[moby]

haha kalac that lanky aussie. rumore are that dida might go back to brazil to get back in form

[TJ Hooker]

dude their gonna be sucha good team this year
why didnt he go to city?

[zizou871]

he's going to be number 80.  what a stupid number. 

[manutd.]

That's going to look so out of place.  :down:

[^_^]

It's the year of his birth 1980. It is stupid. Trying to be Ronaldo with 99..he'll probably end up just like him..injured and then gone in a year.

[manutd.]

It's the year of his birth 1980. It is stupid.

Do I spot sarcasm?

;)

[^_^]

No. It really is stupid.

[nedved]

i hope he does play well again and finds that spark, (even tho i hate ac and  like inter and juve in italy)
but personally i think fame went to his head, and his attitude is very poor
i just hope things change now that hes swapped clubs and had a bad year