Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has confirmed that the Italian are interested in signing Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.
Berlusconi was speaking after Milan’s coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he would like to sign the former Fifa World Player of the Year.
Ronaldinho has endured a disappointing season at Barcelona, and he is currently ruled out for the season after pulling a thigh muscle in training.
Asked whether Ronaldinho would come to Milan, Berlusconi told Ansa: “I hope yes, I believe yes.
“We will try and buy him.”
Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that the price Milan would be prepared to pay is €20m, adding there has been a meeting between Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto Assis and Adriano Galliani, Berlusconi’s deputy at Milan.
Ancelotti spoke this week of his admiration for the Brazilian, saying: “Ronaldinho is a great player. Milan’s interest in him has been there for a long time.
“At this time he is a Barcelona player and the club is evaluating the development of this situation. He is a champion that interests several clubs.”
English sides Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are believed to be among a number of clubs monitoring the situation with City boss Sven Goran Eriksson the first to express an interest in the player.
“I hope it’s true,” said the Swede when asked about City’s interest in the Barca ace.
“I would not protest against it. But I don’t know if Ronaldinho wants to play in the InterToto Cup next season.”
