Ronaldinho close to Milan exit
Reuters - Saturday 01 January 2011, 11:41
MILAN - AC Milan forward Ronaldinho is on
the verge of leaving the Serie A leaders after media reports on
Saturday said he had left the club's training base in Dubai to
return to Brazil.
The former world player of the year, who joined the
Rossoneri in 2008 but has failed to recapture his former glory,
is wanted by old Brazilian club Gremio and Milan finally broke
their silence about the impending move late on Friday.
"We await his departure becoming official," Milan coach
Massimiliano Allegri, who has left the 30-year-old Ronaldinho on
the bench for much of the season, told Sky Italia.
"Maybe there was a lack of willingness on his part. I was
convinced that Ronaldinho could have a great season. He started
well, with a balanced side, but then everyone has to take their
own responsibility."
Ronaldinho wowed crowds with his brilliance while at
Barcelona from 2003 to 2008, also helping Brazil to World Cup
victory in 2002.
However, fitness and form problems have dogged him since
2007 and he looks a completely different player, with his superb
sidesteps and mesmeric skills now just a memory.
Milan are signing Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano now the
January transfer window has opened, making Ronaldinho's exit
more inevitable with his contract up in June.