t was not that many years ago that Ronaldinho was the best footballer on the planet. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004, 2005. Today he is a shadow of himself, seemingly more interested in disco’s than training.
So it is a bit sad to hear that AC Milan are offering Ronaldinho to anyone who will listen for £7m. Ronaldinho is out of contract at the end of the season and Milan are desperate to try and recoup some of the £15m they paid Barcelona for him three years ago.
Why would a club pay £7m for a player they can get for free in six months? Nobody. So where will Ronaldinho end up? Well there are three likely destinations.
Europe
Reports in France say that Paris Saint-Germain, who brought him to Europe ten years ago, would be willing to meet Ronaldinho’s £140,000 a week wages. It’s a possible destination but I cannot see PSG paying a player that kind of money in wages. They don’t have the revenues to do that.
Milan have offered Ronaldinho to the Premier League but that opportunity has long passed. He no longer has the quickness or stamina to play in a physical league like the Premiership.
Brazil
There is a lot of interest in Brazil for Ronaldinho to return to his homeland. His first club Gremio insist they are in driving seat to clinch his signing and will use sponsorship deals to pay his wages, and are confident that Ronaldinho will join them on a free in the summer.
America
There have been rumors for over a year now that the LA Galaxy would love to team Ronaldinho up with David Beckham in an MLS line-up that would evoke memories of the star-studded New York Cosmos. With the Galaxy picking up forward Juan Pablo Angel in the offseason they no longer have the cap room to sign Ronaldinho.
If I was a betting man, I would put my money on Ronaldinho playing back in his native Brazil next year. For those of you who need a refresher on how good Ronaldinho was in his prime, this video is for you.
