#TBT: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, RONALDINHO

BARCELONA BLITZ

It was to be a subdued start to the summer for AC Milan. They'd previously been overtaken by Fiorentina during the last few days of the season, therefore, they were set to compete in the UEFA Cup once again – seven years after the club’s last appearance. Without Champions League revenue, it was down to the club to shoulder the brunt of spending. Flamini, Zambrotta and Borriello were the initial signings, although the Rossoneri were well aware that a top-level transfer was needed to lift Milanisti spirits. It was at this point in early July that negotiations started for Ronaldinho. Adriano Galliani led the way, having already discussed the player during a club Workshop four years prior in Sardinia. Silvio Berlusconi was also delighted. Talks weren't simple, however, and in the end, it wasn't just the player, his agents or Milan representatives present in Barcelona as Manchester City were also there trying to do a deal. The Rossoneri eventually succeeded, with the club's official website confirming the move on 15th July: “Barcelona and Milan have reached a preliminary agreement.”

GREAT EXCITEMENT AT SAN SIRO
Things were finalised one day later, with Ronaldinho’s move leading to a great gathering of Milan fans at San Siro. Around 30,000 Milan supporters made their way to the stadium on 17th July in a bid to welcome Dinho. The South American attacker greeted his new supporters with a few words in Italian: "Buonasera a tutti, grazie mille. Forza Milan", while also revealing his surprise at such a warm welcome. With a ball in hand and proudly wearing the Rossoneri colours, he said: “I want to score as many goals and provide as many assists as possible.” Among the highs and lows, Rossoneri fans were certainly able to witness his incredible talent before he left two and a half years later in January 2011.

The official PUMA match kits for the 2019/20 season are available in the AC Milan Online Store!