Ronaldinho Met with Milan Yesterday! (Or Not.)

Before taking the field in a charity match in Argentina on Wednesday, Ronaldinho allegedly told the press that he was about to meet with Milan personnel, who had traveled to Brazil for a casual little talk. The story was reported in the Spanish media, and it’s thought in some circles that the meeting — apparently to discuss a summer move, rather than a January one — did take place. According to Ronaldinho’s ever-present brother/agent Roberto Assis, however, there was no meeting, and Ronnie is going to stay at Barca through 2010, when his contract ends. Honestly, does anyone really believe that last bit at this point? Even Ronaldinho himself must have snorted when he read it.

While denying any current discussions, Assis did see fit to mention an offer from Milan last summer, to the tune of a cool €60 million. Things didn’t work out, obviously, but there’s no indication of why, if the offer was, in fact, a reality. That price is the standard rumored asking price (though it’s only about half of the release clause in the Brazilian’s contract), so it’s hard to know what the problem was. As an aside, it’s hard to believe that price is real. Barca paid just under €30 million for the striker in 2003, so “only” €40 million or so would bring them a substantial profit — not to mention the zillions the club have made through selling Ronaldinho shirts. If his time at Barca truly is up, you’d think they’d be a little more practical in the price they put on his head.

Anyway. Nothing substanial has changed since we last talked about this rumor: Ronaldinho is still out of favor and not playing well at Barca, Milan still need firepower, and they’re still in love with anyone from Brazil. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[Image from Mundo Deportivo, via Spanish Football and Sports]

Category: AC Milan, Serie A

Tags: AC Milan, Barcelona, Ronaldinho, Serie A

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