Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has reached an agreement with Italian club AC Milan to terminate his contract and move to Brazil, but the star has yet to decide in which club he will land.
Earlier this week, Ronaldinho seemed to be an inch away from joining Brazilian giants Gremio. The Imortal’s president Paulo Odone made a public statement Wednesday, in which he revealed how close the former Barcelona attacker was from being a member of his club.
"Ronaldinho only needs to complete the part where he rescinds his (AC) Milan contract," he said. "As for the rest, we have agreed on everything with him.
"We have a drafted contract with which we have agreed upon, and the respective lawyers (of both clubs) are currently working on finalizing it. Within the next 24-48 hours, we will have Ronaldinho’s signature, as we are doing everything we can to bring him here.
"I am here in front of the media because I am very optimistic about the negotiation (which is still going on). Ronaldinho wants to return to Brazil and play in the 2014 World Cup; he feels the best chance to do so is to overcome this (transfer) obstacle and join Gremio.
Premier League side Blackburn Rovers also showed great interest in the player, having offered a £20million deal over a period of three years to the ace. There was however less and less chances that their bid would end up on a successful note, as Ronaldinho proved to be keener on a move to Brazil than a transfer in England.
”Over the last 24 to 48 hours, it has become less likely,” admitted Blackburn coach Steve Kean on Wednesday. “I don't think this (transfer plan) is one that was for publicity… it was a genuine contact, a genuine intent.
Well finally, Ronaldinho has managed to rescind his contract at AC Milan, and for sure, he is not aiming for a team in the Premier League. Ronaldinho has made it clear that he is on his way to preparation for the 2014 World Cup in his homeland, although he has yet to make his concluding selection as to his new Brazilian club’s identity.
On Thursday, the talisman attended a press conference in Rio de Janeiro with his brother and agent Roberto De Assis, followed by AC Milan’s vice-president Galliani. It is there that the three personalities exposed the state of affairs regarding Ronaldinho’s future.
"Milan officially announces that it has accepted the request for Ronaldinho,” declared Galliani. “But we have not terminated the contract with the player.
"We are determined to help him return to play in Brazil, although this causes great pain to (AC Milan president Silvio) Berlusconi. I will not leave Brazil until he has chosen his new team.”
Ronaldinho’s brother was not more explicit in his assertion, adding: “I spoke with Gremio, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Corinthians; but it was difficult for me to convince AC Milan.
"There are many suitors but I'm not holding an auction, so everyone can afford Ronaldinho.”
The player himself then gave his opinion over his experience of a new chapter in life. According to him, being an active player in the country he loves is what matters the most.
"I feel great affection for Gremio, but it will be difficult to make a decision because Gremio is my home. However, (Luiz Felipe) Scolari's (club) Palmeiras and Flamengo are great as well.
"It is not an economic issue (to return to my homeland Brazil); all I care about is playing football. I am still a player, and there is a World Cup in Brazil in 4 years' time, which is why I'm back."
At the moment, it looks like it is the Tricolor who have the lead in the race for signing the playmaker—but since football can be full of shocks, no one can really tell. Should Ronaldinho enter the Gremio football club in the next few days, then he might start in the team’s upcoming match against Liverpool de Montevideo later this month in the Copa Libertadores.
"Ronaldinho only needs to complete the part where he rescinds his (AC) Milan contract," he said. "As for the rest, we have agreed on everything with him.
"We have a drafted contract with which we have agreed upon, and the respective lawyers (of both clubs) are currently working on finalizing it. Within the next 24-48 hours, we will have Ronaldinho’s signature, as we are doing everything we can to bring him here.
"I am here in front of the media because I am very optimistic about the negotiation (which is still going on). Ronaldinho wants to return to Brazil and play in the 2014 World Cup; he feels the best chance to do so is to overcome this (transfer) obstacle and join Gremio.
Premier League side Blackburn Rovers also showed great interest in the player, having offered a £20million deal over a period of three years to the ace. There was however less and less chances that their bid would end up on a successful note, as Ronaldinho proved to be keener on a move to Brazil than a transfer in England.
”Over the last 24 to 48 hours, it has become less likely,” admitted Blackburn coach Steve Kean on Wednesday. “I don't think this (transfer plan) is one that was for publicity… it was a genuine contact, a genuine intent.
Well finally, Ronaldinho has managed to rescind his contract at AC Milan, and for sure, he is not aiming for a team in the Premier League. Ronaldinho has made it clear that he is on his way to preparation for the 2014 World Cup in his homeland, although he has yet to make his concluding selection as to his new Brazilian club’s identity.
On Thursday, the talisman attended a press conference in Rio de Janeiro with his brother and agent Roberto De Assis, followed by AC Milan’s vice-president Galliani. It is there that the three personalities exposed the state of affairs regarding Ronaldinho’s future.
"Milan officially announces that it has accepted the request for Ronaldinho,” declared Galliani. “But we have not terminated the contract with the player.
"We are determined to help him return to play in Brazil, although this causes great pain to (AC Milan president Silvio) Berlusconi. I will not leave Brazil until he has chosen his new team.”
Ronaldinho’s brother was not more explicit in his assertion, adding: “I spoke with Gremio, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Corinthians; but it was difficult for me to convince AC Milan.
"There are many suitors but I'm not holding an auction, so everyone can afford Ronaldinho.”
The player himself then gave his opinion over his experience of a new chapter in life. According to him, being an active player in the country he loves is what matters the most.
"I feel great affection for Gremio, but it will be difficult to make a decision because Gremio is my home. However, (Luiz Felipe) Scolari's (club) Palmeiras and Flamengo are great as well.
"It is not an economic issue (to return to my homeland Brazil); all I care about is playing football. I am still a player, and there is a World Cup in Brazil in 4 years' time, which is why I'm back."
At the moment, it looks like it is the Tricolor who have the lead in the race for signing the playmaker—but since football can be full of shocks, no one can really tell. Should Ronaldinho enter the Gremio football club in the next few days, then he might start in the team’s upcoming match against Liverpool de Montevideo later this month in the Copa Libertadores.
