Ronaldinho: I’m sorry I made Milan fans wait

MANCHESTER CITY target Ronaldinho has confirmed he “always wanted Milan” after moving to the brink of a transfer to the San Siro.

The Brazilian superstar was in Milan yesterday afternoon to complete his €21 million switch from Barcelona to AC, which is subject to a medical.

After a protracted chase for his signature, he apologised to Milan fans for making them wait and then insisted he is ready to give his all for his new club.

Ronaldinho has always professed his desire to join the Rossoneri and renounced his right to 15% of the transfer fee in order to facilitate a move to Italy.

“I am sorry if I made you wait,” he said. But the facts have shown that I always wanted Milan. It’s not the moment to talk about Barcelona because I want to enjoy this new page in my life.

“I will only say that to Milan I promise a lot of effort, not only my technical skills.”

Ronaldinho joins fellow Brazilians Kaka, Dida, Emerson and Alexandre Pato at the Serie A giants.

And Kaka was delighted at the arrival of his compatriot.

“I’m very happy with the arrival of Ronaldinho, who brings a lot of talent and quality and who will put us in a position to fight for titles,” he said.

City boss Mark Hughes has meanwhile insisted the club could have done no more to lure Ronaldinho to the Premier League.

He remained philosophical after missing out on the 28-year-old, and claimed the club should be applauded for setting their sights so high.

Hughes said: “I think we have shown a willingness to bring Ronaldinho here and should be complimented for that.

“In the end though, it will be the player’s decision where he goes.”

City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is understood to have tabled an offer in excess of what Milan agreed to pay Barca, with some reports suggesting he was willing to give the South American up to £200,000 a week.