T-1 day until Ronaldinho D-Day

Once the greatest player in the world, it’s obvious that Ronaldinho’s best days are behind him. Of course, you never lose talent, only fitness, and when he’s in the mood to play he’s still one of the best players in the world. Sure, he spends most of his time in Milan checking out the nightclubs and hanging out on the left wing of the pitch waiting for the ball to be fed to him, but the guy still has some gas left in him. At the end of the last season, the 30 year old Brazilian attaccking midfielder, after a long season where he failed to convince Dunga to bring him to the World Cup, put his own future in doubt. When asked if he’d be back in a Milan jersey next season, he simply said “I don’t know”. That of course led to speculation in the media saying he might not be in Italy next season. And over the past few weeks, it looks like there are two viable options for him.

First, let’s make it clear, many press reports are saying that although Milan would love Ronaldinho to stay at the club, they would happily let him go on his merry way for 10 million euro, considering his contract is up in the summer of 2011 anyway and it would rid them of a high salary, while also giving them some cash to find a replacement. Also, Ronaldinho arrived in Italy this weekend, since Milan preseason training starts on Tuesday, and apparently he will meet with the Milan front office tomorrow to discuss his future, which I have dubbed “Ronaldinho D-Day”.

Brazilian club Flamengo has come out and said they have agreed to terms with Ronaldinho’s agent, who is also his brother. However, they announced that while they can easily afford Ronaldinho’s salary demands, they can not afford the 10 million euro bill, and could only get Ronnie if Milan would agree to let him go for free. I don’t see this happening, but if Ronaldinho states tomorrow that his desire is to leave Milan and go back to Brazil, I think Milan might agree to make him happy.

The other option is right here in the good ol’ US of A. The Los Angeles Galaxy have always had eyes for Ronaldinho, but now it seems they want to make an official offer. Reportedly, they will meet Milan’s 10 million euro demand and even have a big salary in place ready for the Brazilian superstar. Ronaldinho has never hid his love for the United States and vacations here frequently. Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts added fuel to this rumor when he announced on a radio show after Henry had signed for the Red Bulls that “An MLS Club is about to announce the signing of another major superstar” and when asked if this superstar was Brazilian, he replied “most likely”. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ronaldinho announced tomorrow he would be moving to MLS. But would he do well here in the United States? That’s a whole another story and requires a whole another post….

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Category: Europe, Leagues, MLS, Serie A, South America, Transfer Talk