Ronaldinho May Be on his Way Out of Milan
AC Milan have been looking to make changes this summer and it appears that one big change is on the way. Brazilian star Ronaldinho may be on his way out.
Milan has claimed that they are willing to sell Ronaldinho at the right price. The region they are reportedly looking for is around €10 million.
Brazilian giant Flamengo and Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles Galaxy appear to be the main suitors for the player. While Milan earlier claimed that they were not interested in selling him, they are now willing to negotiate.
If the Rossoneri want to get something in return for Ronaldinho, they’ll have to do it this year as his contract expires after the season, after which he’ll be free to sign anywhere.
Milan either have to trade the former World Cup winner or offer him a new contract, but they will not be able to afford more than €4 million a season.
Ronaldinho and his agent are expected to meet with Milan officials to discuss the playmaker’s future at the San Siro.
Well-known player agent Andrea D'Amico has suggested that the Los Angeles Galaxy are the closest to bringing in the Brazilian. The club already has David Beckham, and bringing in Ronaldinho would be the second major acquisition for the MLS after Thierry Henry signed with the New York Red Bulls.
D'Amico does not represent Ronaldinho, however, he has plenty of experience in the transfer market and represents several other Milan players including Gennaro Gattuso, Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonini.
“It's difficult to say, it certainly depends on the proposal that will arrive," explained D'Amico. “Right now, the Los Angeles Galaxy seem the most valid option to me.”
Beckham has stated that he’d love to have Ronaldinho join him in L.A. and it would do wonders for the league to have two of European football’s big names in a market as big as L.A.
Ronaldinho has stated that he intends to stay at Milan, but if a contract cannot be reached to satisfy the wants of the player, he may have to look elsewhere.
If you remember correctly, Ronaldinho was left off of Team Brazil for the World Cup this summer, but he still remains a big name in world football.
A move to the MLS would surely spark more interest in the league and may prove that Beckham and Henry moving to the United States would open the door for more football stars to move out west.
It may not happen this year though as Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto De Assis has already made the intentions of his brother very clear. He does see the Los Angeles Galaxy as a possibility next summer if a new contract cannot be worked out.
In case a move to the MLS does happen, there’s no telling what else can happen. If Henry’s move was a sign of things to come, it would mean even more if Ronaldinho were to make the move. Those in the United States who dream about a rising in “soccer” interest would get a huge shot in the arm with a star as big as Ronaldinho being a part of their biggest league.
While it may play second fiddle to Ronaldinho's desire to stay at Milan, many can dream can’t they?
Now if Milan are to keep him, a new contract has to be worked out, which may take the player into his mid-thirties. If it is too expensive, you have to wonder if it’s really worth it for Milan, who have slid behind town-rival Inter Milan and Roma in Serie A.
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