Ronaldinho In Holding Pattern As Milan Waits For Gremio, Others To Meet Evaluation

On Wednesday, Ronaldinho finally spoke. After the first days of the January transfer window had Gaucho linked with clubs in Lancashire, Sao Paulo and his home town of Porto Alegre, the former World Player of the Year made his feelings clear. If it were up to him, he said, he would already have signed with Gremio, his first club. But as Gremio - as well as Flamengo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Blackburn and other suitors - have failed to meet Milan’s evaluation, Ronaldinho remains part of the Rossoneri.

Yesterday, Italian sports publication Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Gremio had signed Ronaldinho, though no official announcements have been made. On the contrary, Wednesday morning was met with silence from both Gremio and Milan, with the player picking up a phone call with one of Brazil’s biggest sports outlets, allowing us some insight into the stalemate.

According to Globo Esporte, who spoke with Ronaldinho this morning, Milan want €8 million to release Ronaldinho from his contract before June. Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is in Rio de Janiero to facilitate a process that sees Gremio as the players choice, Palmeiras claiming to have met the demands of Roberto di Assís (Ronaldinho brother-agent), while Flamengo’s offer is said to be most lucrative. Neither Corinthians nor Blackburn, both linked with Ronaldinho interest, are thought to be favorites.

Ronaldinho has said that he is willing to reduce his wages to facilitate a move, but the deal is not dependent on him. According to the player, the problem is not his demands but what Milan wants in return.