AC Milan's new signing Ronaldinho claims the time was right to make his move to the San Siro.
The 28-year-old trained on Friday for the first time with his new team-mates
after completing his move to the Rossoneri 24 hours earlier.
The former two-time World Player of the Year signed a three-year contract at
the San Siro after enduring a frustrating campaign with Barcelona.
'I believe this was the right time to arrive to AC Milan,' said Ronaldinho.
'I have come to Milan with the idea of winning and I hope I can clinch many
titles at this winning club. I'm still young but I hope my experience can be of
help for our aims.'
Ronaldinho had been a target for AC Milan in previous years but Barca had been
reluctant to sell the Brazil international until now. Milan finally secured the
services of the Catalan giants' talisman with a 21million euro bid as they edged
out English Premier League side Manchester City.
He is thought to be Milan's final purchase of the summer and his arrival has
generated a wave of excitement which the Italian media are calling 'Dinho
mania'.
Thousands of spectators gathered outside Milanello in the hope of catching a
glimpse of Milan's new signing on Wednesday while 40,000 fans turned up to the
San Siro 24 hours later for his presentation ceremony.
'I want to thank the fans for their warm welcome,' said Ronaldinho. 'This is something that really motivates me and I hope I can repay them.'
AC Milan fans will have to be patient to watch Ronaldinho in action in the
Rossoneri colours, as the playmaker will soon join Brazil in preparation for
next month's Olympic Games in Beijing.
Ronaldinho is looking forward to making his debut in Serie A after five seasons
at the Nou Camp.
Injury woes and lack of form saw Ronaldinho lose his starting spot at Barca
last term, but the South American star is eager to demonstrate the skills that
twice saw him win the World Player of the Year award.
'The Italian league is one of the most competitive tournaments in the world,'
he said. 'I cannot say much about the league because I haven't played in it.
'But I am very positive and I think things will go better.'
Milan will be hoping that will be the case as they hope to bounce back from
last season's disappointing campaign where they finished fifth, a result that
saw them miss out on a Champions League spot.
'Whoever has had the opportunity to play in such a prestigious competition as
the Champions League knows its importance,' said Ronaldinho, who won the trophy
in the 2005-06 campaign.
'Not to be able to play in this competition this year motivates me all the
more to help Milan return to play in the Champions League.'
