England boss Fabio Capello warns Milan they “don’t need Ronaldinho,” while Barcelona find fault with the negotiation tactics.
The Rossoneri are focusing most of their transfer kitty on capturing the Brazilian, but Capello has a different view.
“Milan do not need a player like Ronaldinho,” the former Real Madrid and Milan Coach told Spanish newspaper Marca.
That is the not the only dissenting voice from Spain, as Barcelona’s directors are said to be furious with President Silvio Berlusconi and general manager Adriano Galliani for publicly announcing Ronaldinho wanted to join them.
“We know Milan reached an agreement with Ronaldinho, but they must not think that because of that our position has been weakened,” Vice-President Ferrano Soriano told Tuttosport.
“We will not be remembered as the administration that sold Ronaldinho for a cut-price fee.”
It is reported Barca have requested £30m for the Brazilian and teammate Gianluca Zambrotta, but Milan want to pay only £20m for the package deal.
“Berlusconi used a tactic from the last century, saying he had already bought him and then accusing us of asking for too much.
“But if it’s true that Milan want to sign Ronaldinho on their terms, then it is also true that we own his contract and will sell him on our terms.”
There is the threat Ronaldinho will invoke FIFA’s Article 17, effectively freeing him from his contract for just over £10m.
“Milan will not resort to such an extreme measure, as it would spark a dangerous chain reaction through Europe’s most important clubs.”
