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| Thursday 3 July, 2008 |
| Blog: 'Dinho dilemma |
| If Ronaldinho wants to restore his status in European football he must sign for Milan. But Steve Wilson wonders if money has become more important |
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The saga of Ronaldinho's transfer to Milan has been rumbling for almost two years now, but a resolution finally looks set to arrive. It seems likely that Joan Laporta's re-election as Barcelona President - the vote is to take place on Sunday - will see the red light given for 'Dinho's sale. At that point it will come down to the player. Does he want the prestige of Milan or the money of Manchester City?
On the face of it the two options are similar - in football terms. Both clubs will be competing in the UEFA Cup next season after having to watch their city rivals win the title last season and are hoping to improve their domestic performance in the new campaign, with a Champions League spot the target. And there is also a strong Brazilian presence already at both sides.
The big differences are the ones that will determine his future - and his reputation. Under the ownership of Thaksin Shinawatra, City can offer a far better financial package, but Milan has the history and status. At the end of his career, wouldn't Ronaldinho rather have Milan on his CV than Manchester City?
The Rossoneri look to be on the verge of a rebuilding process, and with youngster Alexandre Pato and superstar Kaka to play alongside at San Siro it is a chance for the buck-toothed magician to revive a career that has been on the wane over the last 12 months. The Citizens may also be on the verge of a new birth, but can they really expect to crack the Premier League's top four?
The opportunity to wear the world famous red and black stripes as well as the chance to help Milan win the UEFA Cup, the only major trophy they have never held, and their first Scudetto since 2004 should be enough to convince any player. If he chooses to go to Eastlands the only conclusion you can realistically make is that making money has become more important to him.
However, if his greed takes him to England, where Chelsea are also rumoured to be lying in wait, it may be a blessing for Milan. With Rivaldo and Ronaldo already having made a problematic passage through Milanello in the latter stages of their careers, maybe it is best not to complete the hat-trick of ageing and distracted Samba stars.
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To be honest 'Dinho is not the sort of player we need. He isn’t a dedicated striker, he’s more of an attacking midfielder. What we need is a player like Didier Drogba, the sort of striker who can power through defences. I don’t think Dinho’s fancy tricks will cut it in Italy where defenders are REAL defenders. When the tackles start raining in on him, he won’t be able to handle it. We need a strong striker, or a fast one. Alexandre Pato might be small but he’s quick and nippy so he can weave his way though a defence. Pippo is the world’s greatest poacher (enough said) and Marco Borriello has proved he can bang in goals left, right and center (but will he with Milan?).
Galliani & Co need to open their eyes and see that there is more to a player than just his name. If you mention Ronaldinho’s name anywhere people will know who he is, but that is because of what he has done in past seasons. Lately he has been absolutely poor and, from what I hear, fat. We can’t take a risk by buying a player who might or might not make his comeback. Next season is far too important for that. Instead we should invest in a player who is peaking right at this very moment, a player who has a positive record at this moment as there would be more of a chance of that player delivering goals.
Even with Dinho, Milan won’t be as strong as Inter or Juve. But with Drogba we would have other teams shaking with fear.
I think Galliani was right not to buy Adebayor as he was overpriced. But I wouldn’t rate Dinho contract being worth more than £12 million.
Farhad, Luton
Has the entire world gone mad? I cannot fathom how Milan's second choice is Ronaldinho. And their first, not Messi or Eto'o, but rather Emanuel Abedeyor? There seems to be no logic to this.
Sure Ronaldinho has had a bad spell since the World Cup, and maybe he will never return to former great heights, but anyone who has achieved as much as he must get some benefit of the doubt. We did the same with Ronaldo, and he did produce for the short periods he was fit.
Ronaldinho is not quite at the Christian Veiri age/stage in his career (and Fiorentina were right to sign him for a year. Sure, it didn't turn out for the best, but what did they lose?). He is still young, and has much to give. And surely having a very grounded person like Kaka around will make things much easier for Ronaldinho. And let's be honest, Milano is not the prettiest city in the world, which should allow him to concentrate on his football.
If he really decides to follow the cash and move to Man City, then good luck to him and may he bring some silver ware to that club. But, if Adedayor is our number target, why not try and sign Germany's Mario Gomez, the entire Swiss squad and Steve McClaren. Galliani is clearly in a joking mood isn't he?
Milan need to be serious in their dealings this winter (in Australia anyway). Stop chasing leads that aren't there, and perhaps they should practice a certain amount of discretion. Might make things easier.
Sebastien de Robillard, Melbourne, Australia
I agree with what you wrote. I believe both Milan and Barca have not been realistic about ‘Dinho. While Barca are asking for too much (given his current condition) Milan have also been acting cheap. So while I believe Ronaldinho might not be the priority for us, he’s still a great player that can only be a plus to any club.
Sani Muhammad, Kano, Nigeria
Manchester City is a "wanna-be money club with no history" Chose Milan! Not boring Manchester!!!
Mikkel
I personally cant wait to see 'Dinho in a Milan shirt. He is unique and fantastic to watch and although I agree with Farhad’s comments about the tackles raining in, Italy don’t really have that many good defenders... look at the 4 full backs in Euro 2008 as a reminder of that. If he is given the freedom without taking it away from Kaka and Ancelotti stops his negativity then he could be a fantastic signing. However, signing him will get Berlusconi and Galliani off the hook focusing away from the fact Milan have only Nesta and Maldini as quality centre backs in front of a gaping, unguarded goal. Our approach to transfers is tactical rather than strategic but 'Dinho will be a revelation I'm sure, but boring Inter will grind out 1-0 wins with referees help as usual while Milan will pack the midfield to overcome their bizarre reluctance to sign a goalkeeper and the destination of Lo Scudetto will be the same. I just hope Seedorf stays as his contribution is grossly underrated!
Gary Parker
I'm an Interista so I couldn't care less who Milan buy's BUT - if Ronaldinho has any brains behind that big smile he will choose Milan over Man City as at Milan he will play in big local games and the CL (except this season). Man City are not even on the same level.
Daniel, Auckland, NZ
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