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Galliani confirms Ronaldinho deal
by AFP on Monday, 14 April 2008
MEGA DEAL: Galliani confirmed on Sunday that the reigning European champions have come to an agreement with Ronaldinho, pictured. (AFP)
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed on Sunday that the reigning European champions have come to an agreement with Brazil forward Ronaldinho over a possible summer transfer.
The Barcelona player's brother and agent Roberto de Assis had said on Saturday that there was a deal in place between player and club and that the only stumbling block was a transfer fee between the Spaniards and the Italians.
"We have a deal in principle with the player," said Galliani. "We were allowed to speak to the player by Barcelona and now we're looking to come to an agreement with Barca."
Former twice world player of the year Ronaldinho has fallen out with Barcelona this season as a dip in form and frequent off-field indiscretions have seen the love affair between club and player come to a bitter end after five years.
He is currently sidelined with a leg injury that could keep him out of Barcelona's run-in, where they are chasing La Liga and Champions League glory.
On Saturday Italian sports newspaper quoted de Assis as claiming that only a fee needs to be agreed with Barca to make the move a reality.
"Basically, Ronaldinho and Milan have come to an agreement," he said before insisting that it was not yet a done deal.
"Milan are a great team, Ronaldinho was impressed with his first contact with them.
"The important thing is that he will be happy. When will a deal be finalised? You have to be patient."
Gazzetta claimed that the a deal worth eight million euros a year to the Brazilian until 2012 has been agreed while suggesting Barcelona would be willing to do business for a sale of 30 million euros.
However, it also claimed that Milan don't want to spend that kind of money, looking to spend only 16 million euros, and that higher bids could come in from Inter Milan (25 million euros) and Manchester City (40 million euros).
