Why Man City must ditch Ronaldinho plan

I have to agreed with you Phil. Man City have got a plethora of young talent - Michael Johnson, Micah Richards, Daniel Sturridge, Mark Hughes (in managerial terms) and now Jo. Why risk upsetting the apple cart by bringing in someone who is past his peak and brings in lots of backage (both physical and otherwise)?

And for my money, with Martin Petrov and Elano in attacking positions, this isn't an area that the Eastlands club would need to strengthen too much anyway.

Good article. I agree that Ronaldinho is all but washed up. That said, what statement would it make to bring such a big name to City? Could that attract more talent at a better price? Taksin's got the cash but it has to start somewhere.

As Noel Gallagher said:

"If he can't pull his finger out for Barcelona, he's not gonna do it away to West Brom next season is he?"

Well said, he's a hasbeen Primadonna... I can only hope that Keegan takes an interest in signing him for Newcastle - that would be funny.

If he can't motivate himself to play for Barcelona, how on earth will he motivate himself for playing for Man City.

He'd be another Faustino Asprilla - lots of memorable moments going forward but when your team don't have the ball it's like playing with ten men because he will do zero defending.

Even at his best Ronaldinho played that way and I don't think Mark Hughes or anyone else will be able to change that about him. It's alright when you're playing for Brazil or Barcelona but Man City don't the class of those teams to compensate for a lack of defensive effort from the forwards.

Sorry Phil, you're wrong.

Not only has Ronnie HEARD of Eastlands, he's actually PLAYED at Eastlands. He was in the Barcelona team that played the official 'opening' match, back in 2003.

Incidentally, City won that match, 2-1.

It is so obvious that the decision to tempt Ronaldinho to Manchester City is not a football one. It appears to me that this is now typical of the way football is going at the top level. This decision is made by people who have no idea about the actual game itself just the razzmatazz surrounding it at present. Why would even Milan be interested in him on current form? If he came at low cost initially to prove his worth and then got the increase in salary if he did just that, then it might make sense. But there is more chance of me winning the lottery and football pools in the same week than that happening.

Well it had to happen sometime - a decent article from Phil McNulty - whatever next?

Couldn't agree more - Ronaldinho would be nothing but trouble - he would have half a dozen decent games against the big boys but then you can guarantee a cold December night away at Stoke would be met by a "slight hamstring strain" in training the day before.

Despite being a Liverpool support, I'd really like to see Man City push on and head for fifth place over the next couple of seasons,and Ronaldinho isnt the way forward.

£22million??? I've heard Martin o'neill might let Barry go for that, if you throw that promising right back Micah Richards in as part of the deal!!!!

Man City are moving in the right direction - Hart, Richards, Dunne, Johnson, Jo - they could be really good to watch next year.

Hope you do well, but if you get the primadonna I see nothing but trouble. You'd be much better off buying Bentley.

Agree 100 per cent. If Thaksin has that kind of money to spend would much rather see player of the class of d'Eto or Arshavin in a City shirt rather than an overweight and undermotivated Ronaldhino.

The whole Thaksin venture is doomed if you ask me, he is a far shadier character than Abramovich and has already been moaning about how much it costs to run a club. I can see why Hughes went, with the funds at his fingertips, and managers generally expect things to come to an end anyway. I can see why players would join with the amounts of cash being waved at them by Shinawatra, including Ronaldinho who could still become the attacking fulcrum for City. But City fans must be fearing the worst.

Can Hughes manage a huge star like Ronaldinho? Would he gain the respect of a World Cup winner? It would be interesting to see... but then I'm no City fan :/

people said the same thing when maradona went to napoli. it's a huge gamble of course but it could really pay-off, which is really what sport is about. i'd say there would be more to motivate him at man city than milan and this could be one of the great ransfers in football history. have some faith and optimism man! p.s. i'm not a man city fan

Curious! The whole saga smacks of a Shinawatra stunt. This story was first reported on some weeks ago, before the appointment of Mark Hughes, I wonder what his views are. The figures being speculated upon represent a huge outlay for a player with suspect fitness, temperament and waning abilities. Five years ago maybe, of course Manchester City would never have got a look in then, even if a wealthy benefactor were around to bank roll the deal.
With Mark Hughes on board, Manchester City fans can look forward with confidence, even more so if the manager himself can be allowed to select targets for far better use of those Thai millions. Not a smart move, the powers that be at FC Barca must be rubbing their hands with glee. I'll stick my neck out and venture that the City fans will be polarised on the issue.

Just like to point to point out Phil that you say how Ronaldinho has never heard of 'Eastlands' before. In actual fact he played there in the first match in 2003 in a friendly against Barcelona, and got a rousing reception when he was substituted due to the fact he had turned down the chance to play for United. So as a BBC journalist I think you should do your research properly first.

On all other points though I wholeheartedly agree. Its blatantly obvious that we've been used by ronaldinho and frank seems too stupid to realise this. Even if we did sign him where would elano fit in? Perhaps we should court somebody with more of a future in the game, Diego perhaps

In response to Lorus59 :

Because Milan buy stupid players. Ronaldo? Need I say more?

Milan are caught up in the 'razumattaz' as much as DOCTOR Thaksin is. They go for names, not players who will contribute something valid to the team.

Ronaldinho is still far too good for Man City. Maybe if he was about 40 he'd lower himself.

He will definitely be a waste of space on the field, but off the field he would bring some much needed publicity to, to be frank, a relatively unknown team outside of the UK.
There is a lot of money to be made on the name 'Ronaldinho', even just through shirt sales alone, but what City have to consider is 'Do the marketing prospects counter the the absurd transfer fees and wages?'

Phil, are you having a laugh??

He is 28 not 38. You make it sound like he is past his best based on 1 poor season!!

The guy is a footballing genius and will be back im sure. Whoever takes the slight risk of taking him now will have a great player for the next 3-4 years.

What a ridiculously one-sided rubbish article against Liverpool, as usual you show your lack of fairness to do with Liverpool Phil........oh sorry, for once i guess we will not see the usual rubbish above from the Liverpool fans about how you 'hate' them so.

Surely even they cannot turn this article into another example of the perceived bias they see from you Phil.

i for one would like to see Ronaldinho in the Prem League. If he could get fit then i think he would be a delight to see, even if you only saw the magic every so often. Was gutted all them years ago when he didnt join United

Phil,

Agree with you and almost everyone else on this.

However....

I also agreed with you 12 months ago when you said we should avoid Sven like a bargepole. However, I do respect the fact you did at least admit that Eriksson proved you wrong - many pundits had a severe case of amnesia over their pre-season predictions for City.

I was one of those City fans appalled when Sven was appointed, appalled when he was fired and who's still trying to get their head around the Hughes appointment.

In a line, I don't know what to think.

All Newcastle fans remember the likes of Patrick Kluivert: all the talent in the world means nothing without the fitness and attitude. City would be idiots to buy him.

I think the article writer and virtually every poster is highlighting just why they don't manage a football club. LOL.

Ronaldino, even a 'lesser 'Ronaldino for 22Mil ? Compared to Barry and a makeweight player for 18Mill ? Or Bent for 16Mil ?

Jeez, bargain of the century.

Not only that, if the guy does flop big time, by no means a given, his shirt sales will pay for him and half a dozen new players anyway.

Fantastic buy. There is a reason Milan want him ya know.

And many apologies for the mixed metaphor too. It's the emotion of posting on The Chosen Club.

Phil, my head agrees with you, at present he looks like another Kliuvert when the latter went to Newcastle: supreme past talent, still young enough to potentially recapture that form but the appetite had gone.

However, from a City point of you, if I were a fan I would think, "yes, but what if...?" What if a combination of manager Hughes, presonal pride and / or ambition to retain his Brazilian starting place actually sparks him back into form?

At 28 he could still prove to be an excellent signing for City - let's be honest, at this stage of the blues (re)development they are unlikely to attract any of the really big names at their peak, therefore Ronaldinho could prove the catalyst.

Conclusion - if the owner has the money, I would take the gamble.

Opinions differ but i think with Ronaldino`s creativity and Benjani upfront, Man City will have a fantastic season.

The problem is that while it may be a publicity cuop to get a big name like this to play for Man City, it would be a footballing and financial disaster. OK, so a few other players may pick up their ears at going to where Ronny will be playing, but at the end of the day the extortionate amount of money he will be getting (OK may be offset by sponsor deals and shirt sales) but all the new superstars will want money on par with what he has...so the wage bill will skyrocket....plus what will happen when the likes of Micah Richards wants a new contract and can see that he is having to work really hard defensively to make up for Ronaldinho not tracking back but sees that the person putting the least effort in is getting more money that the whole back line???....Just a bad move all round.

There's no question that last year at Barcelona took it's toll on the lad, but at 28 he can still come back.

The unpalatable truth is however that faced with a choice of AC Milan or Manchester City how many people outside the Manchester City Council Municipal Arena would choose Manchester City?

The fact that comedy wages like £200,000 a week are being mentioned should ring alarm bells for Hughes, it'd be hello Ronaldinho goodbye team spirit.

Shhh.... I've been thinking "waste of money" for weeks, but don't tell them!

I think this would be a good move for City if as you say Ronaldinho was showing abit of hunger to come to City and prove himself. However there is potential that he can certainly make the difference between winning and drawing.

And his commercial aspect off the field may end up repaying more of the trasnfer fee than his performances.

Important to note Phil that Nike are prepared to make contributions towards the deal to bring him to the premier league. I feel the role of Garry Cook might have been crucial in this respect. So its highly unlikely that the club would actually be paying him 200,000 a week

would have thought 28 was prime............but good points made, perhaps the other side of the coin is that in City he could refind the form that made him a great player, maybe he has something to prove....?................NAW.

I thought City had already offered £12m and had spoken to Ron but he turned them down. Why would upping the offer to the club then make any difference?!

I think you may be wrong about him, he still has all the weapons to be a great player but has lost motivation at Barça. He's no longer the main attraction, he has won everything he can win in Spain and I think he needs a fresh challenge to get him going again. Milan would provide the same fresh challenge as City but as at Barça he wouldn't be the star of the show.
City have some good players but no real show-stoppers, which is what Ronaldinho was at his peak and, I think, could be again.

As A City Fan i couldn't agree more with Phil , one i'll believe it when i see it , two i hope it doesn't happen and three the money would be so much better spent elsewhere.
We all know we need a right winger people keep mentioning Bentley although i thought Kelvin Etuhu looked fantastic against Spurs in the cup.
Still with Jo and Benjani upfront with Petrov out left and Elano just behind (should be exciting) and with a fit Michael Johnson doing the tackling (and scoring) Gelson? as a holding midfielder (did well for Switzerland) and a defence of Dunne and Micah the future is bright the future is BLUE.

People talk as if Ronaldinho is past it based on one poor season with Barcelona, however, at the age of 28 he should be in the prime of his career, so with a bit of hard work he could be back to somewhere near his best. If he's prepared to put in the work i really cant see why on earth he'd join City, as although City supporters talk up their clubs chances, they've failed to win anything of note in a long time and realistically can only hope for at best a top six finish in the next few years. Given this choice or the more realistic chance of playing Champions League football regularly at a club like Milan, he should choose Milan every time. Therefore if he chooses to go to City, which i really cant see happening, it's clear that he's gone there on the sole basis of financial gain, and City will be left with a player who, although may increase shirt sales for a period, is unenthused, has no care for the club and will probably ask to leave as soon as the next big offer comes in.

I may be wrong on this point, but i also seem to remember that one of the reasons that he chose Barcelona ahead of Man United in 2003 was the British weather, so it would be interesting to see how many appearances he'd manage to make between November and February in the unlikely event that he does go to City.

I agree that City would be much better off spending their money elsewhere, however it might just be that he is being purchased to help lure further talent to the club, much like Chelsea did when Abramovich took over.
To suggest Ronaldinho hadn't even heard of "Eastlands" is a little insulting to City fans.
Firstly it isn't called Eastlands, as Man City themselves reminded me recently and secondly Ronaldinho has played there before for Barcelona in 2003.

I think the China guy is thinking about making the City big but i dont know if this is the right way of doing it...he might go in lose,its something else that he is not actually paying the bills for Ronaldinho..MANCITY are just trying to make the club knows and attract fans,nice but dont think bringing in a player like Ronaldinho can bring in the successs and profite..well i know nothing about these kind of business..maybe its good for the club...i wish him to come..

This article makes it sound that at 28 your days as a player are practically over. Nonsense!!!

The big problem here is his attitude, who knows why Ronaldinho was showing lack of commitment and effort. However, my guess is that a lot had to do with Barcelona and the manager.

I'm a Man U fan and I have always said, not just in the last few weeks, that Ronaldinho was the real deal as far as talent and skill is concerned. I was borne is South America and I'm used to seeing really skillful players and in that category Cristiiano Ronaldo is not in the same league by a long way. It's not easy to explain how this is so, perhaps the big difference is in the speed the truly skillful players perform their skill. Ronaldinho might be travelling at a 100 mls per hour and do something that leaves the defender for dead. A change of direction, dropping a shoulder, the elastic, etc. Christiano Ronaldo does most of his skill practically in a square meter, it looks like a dance and that IS NOT in the same league as Ronaldinho's skill. A truly master was Maradona, another skillfull player was Romario. A great British exponent was Chris Waddle. Some of the tricks that Ronaldo is most celebrated for are not really that difficult, is like learning a dance. My guess is that in Spain he will not be so effective, defenders are used to facing skillfull players and Ronaldo would need to learn a trick or two to have the same success than here. However, there is no question that Ronaldo is a far better goal scorer than Ronaldinho. Finally, I wish Man U was buying Ronaldinho. I would really paid just to watch Ronaldinho play.

Well yeah you're right about those things, I said earlier I agreed with you, was just saying that financially i don't think its as much of a gamble as it appears, what with marketing and shirt sales making up for some of the money. Would kind of be similar to Beckham at Real Madrid, who raised them loads of cash financially.

But yes you're completely right we should be signing players who have many years in front of them in the game and have the hunger and desire to take city forward.

Perhaps we should be considering the outlay on diego, arshavin, bentley etc

Phil,

As well as Jo, in order to move forward, we need a left back, a replacement for Didi Hamann, a right winger and an out and out centre forward.

How about the Russian left back from Euro 2008, Xabi Alonso, Bentley and Gabriel Milito?

Alternatively, play Corluka in Hamann's position and Nedum Onouha at right back Corluka did this a couple of times last season and looked top class - while Nedum's a good lad, a very good player and a future City captain.

We also need a back-up keeper. I would try to keep Kasper Schmeichel with the promise that he will play in cup ties with Hart playing in the league.

Sturridge and Evans should be back-up strikers to Jo, Milito and Benjani and we should keep Ball and Vassell as squad players.

Weiss (reserve right winger) and Mee (left sided centre half) coem into the squad from the Youth Cup winning team with others to follow when they are ready.

Sell Garrido, Bojinov, Corradi, Samaras, Matthew and Danny Mills. Loan out Caicedo and Etuhu.

I agree that City would not be the right move for either party.

Ronaldinho has lost the plot recently. He bought into his own hype and failed to realise that no amount of talent can compensate for hard work. Football never stands still and he found that out the hard way last season.

But let's not forget that he is still relatively young and with a wealth of experience. He must also still have lots of talent too, you don't lose that overnight.

What he needs is a strong manager. A father figure who can help him rediscover his form and the right mentality to be successful. I believe that man is Phil Scolari, who knows Ronaldinho well from his time managing Brazil. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy and an excellent motivator.

Whether Big Phil would want him is another matter but I feel if anyone can halt the Brazilians fall from grace it's him. I believe that Ronaldinho would enjoy living in London (certainly more than Manchester) and would flourish in Chelsea colours. That would be the best move for him in my opinion.

Paullake nails it on although I don't think we should get rid of Bojinov until we see what he can do once he's fit.

If we sign Ronaldhino and agree to his ridiculous wage demands, there will be very little left in the kitty to sign the players in defence, midfield and attack that we badly need to boost our squad.

And if Ronaldhino gets injured or worse still seriously injured we'll have wasted £40 million plus.

'Gordinho', (little fatty) would be a great addition in terms of raising Man City's profile. But thats about it.

So if Man City want headlines they should go for him (and the circus that surrounds him).

But be realistic, can you see Ronald in Manchester?? Milan is where he'll be next season.

I'm not a City fan. If Ronaldinho does come to the Premiership then I'll certainly be interested in seeing how he does (and will be hoping to see some magic up close), and I hope he does bring something to their team - they deserve it after playing some good football last year and they seem to have the right philosophy. It does all however seem like PR from the owner - he wants to show off his money with a big name.

I can't imagine that Mark Hughes would be happy with that, especially considering he could get a couple of very talented players for that sort of money.

Good luck to them though...

The Guardian reported that seven years ago George Weah, then 34 years old, packed his bags and walked out of Manchester City - after securing a £500,000 golden handshake.

The former World Player of the Year lasted 10 weeks at Maine Road before falling out with City's manager Joe Royle. He was unhappy about being left out of the starting line-up and complained that Royle showed him a lack of respect.

City insiders revealed that terminating his contract - worth £2.5m over two years - cost the club £500,000. Added to the £250,000 he picked up in wages during his 10-week stay, that represents an outlay of £750,000 for one league goal.

Weah, a substitute for four of City's last six games, scored three times in the Worthington Cup but his only Premiership goal was in the 3-2 defeat at Liverpool. Royle said: "He brought some moments of magic with him but it was always going to be a delicate situation with him."

Shades of Ronaldhino here? He's 28, six years younger than Weah, but there seem to be a lot of other similarities in that deal and the proposed Ronaldinho deal.

Big signing on fee, wages plus big ego who demands respect even though he may be past his sell by date.

I can't help but feel that Ronny will turn it on for whoever he plays for next season. You all seem very quick to write off a man of (gasp) 28 years old. The peak of his career anyone? True, he was a wreck for Barca last season but come on - what do you get the man ho has won everything (World Cup, Coppa America, Champions League, League Tilte, Ballon D'Or TWICE IN A ROW)? A new challenge, that's what. To me it sounds like Dino is ready for it. Finally.

By all accounts he has spent all summer shedding that weight. And you are right Phil, he will almost certainly go to AC Milan - for about a third of the money he would get at Man City. Does that sound like the actions of a man that doesn't want to prove himself? Wait and see...

Thaksin wants a glamorous club that emulates Chelsea and Ronaldinho would be great for this image. There's no doubt, though, that the money for the transfer and his wages could be better invested elsewhere. I'm sure Hughes would agree.

At 28 I hardly think you can say Ronaldinho is past his best. This is often seen as the time when many footballers reach their peak.

I also think 22 million isn't unreasonable given the quality of the player.

I will agree that 200,000 a week is ridiculous wages if correct and for this reason City would be better of looking at other options.

They should use the money to sign 2-3 quality players and add depth to the current squad.

I agree whole heartedly with the comments.
Yes like Dr Thaksin i too would like to see bums on seats but not just to see one player who is past his prime. I want to watch a "team" of players perform, not 10 players supporting a big name on an even bigger salary. I hope Ronaldiniho becomes a slave at AC Milan because the slaves we have at City all pull in the same direction.

I really feel that Arshavin would be a better deal for City. I am not convinced that he is a world beater after one outstanding match at the Euros but he is at least a little younger than Ronaldino (OK a year) but he has a better attitude, is willing to defend and would be grateful for the move which would reflect in his attitude and performances IMHO. All in all a better deal.

I think Arshavin would be a much better call. I know he's roughly the same age, but he looks to be hungry on the pitch.

By the way, LevenshulmeBlue, is that you Dave?

Whichever way you turn it, this transfer is a huge gamble. Income from merchandising isn't guaranteed and even with, as has been mentioned by another contributor, the financial assistance of Nike, the decision to pursue doesn't seem like a sound footballing one.
Just another observation, in his previous role, Mark Hughes' Blackburn were notoriously difficult to beat and not a fixture many clubs looked forward to. Assuming Manchester City acquire a similar persona under MH, can you visualise Ronaldinho, tracking back when City have lost possession on, say, a filthy night in Middlesbrough in October ? I can't. Manchester City have every chance of breaking into the group of clubs like Villa, Spurs, Pompey etc just bubbling under that elite group of four. Ronaldinho's contribution to this progress would probably be patchy at best. Save the cash and invest it sensibly somewhere else.

It appears to me that Ronaldinho would easily consider himself bigger than the club. This is something which no team needs. I'm also not convinced he has answered any of his critics on the issue of his fitness, attitude and form, he certainly didnt make headlines for any good reasons last season with Barca. Let Milan have him

Phil, i think the term genius is used too often in the world of football, however in Rons case we really do have to befit him with this title. I do understand you saying he "was" a genius but i really do not think he has anything to prove to anybody.
He has had one poor season, that is all. Surely he is allowed this. When younger players like Rooney do not perform to their best level it is put down to burn out or too many games. So how can a player of true stature like Ron all of a sudden be classed as poor just because he has not lived up to his normal exceptional brilliance?
I could understand this if the guy was in his mid 30s but for somebody who does not have any pace at all, i consider him relatively young and notm even at his real peak at the moment.
Surely the one thing Ron has deserved over the years is for people to cut him some slack for one poor season.
As for him not showing enthusiasm to join City, surely if less than 2 years you were quite rightly labelled the best player on the planet, would you want to join City??
The guy is a multi millionaire anyway, at least it shows he isnt also a greedy sod!!

'Let's be honest, it is questionable whether he had even heard of Eastlands before Thaksin Shinawatra's riches were hurled in his direction.'


Er, is this despite the fact he played in the first ever match at the Stadium?

How can people say Arshavin will be a better buy for City? The guy has had one good European Championship and was part of a team which won the UEFA Cup. To say he was the reason Zenit won the competition is ludicrous.

Ronaldinho is still a world class player, given the chance. Past his best? I ask all of you would you turn him away from playing for your club? He can still be a world beater, and in my opinion, too good for City. However, they seem to be on the up gaining more respect and generating more ambition.

In answer to your question Phil, about players coming to their peak at 28? - Thierry Henry springs to mind.

I laugh dazzlingdublinblue when you say use that kind of money to buy Arshavin.

I like most was a fan of his in the limited number of good games I have seen him play e.g. sweden, holland and rangers.

...but while 'dinho has gone off the boil at Barca he has still got it. And has shown it for a lot longer than people like Arshavin.

When people talk mad money for Walcott's, Nasri's, Barry's (Who? What has he won? What will he ever win?) then Ronaldinho would be a risk but worth it at 22m.

Comparisons with Tino? The football played at St James by Newcastle in that era was unbelievable and I am sure the ManCity faithfull would settle for that and 2nd in the league if you offered it to them now.

Class is permanent, form is temporary, 'Dinho will be back.

el-nickpcr-io, I'm with you, I think he will be a touch of class for whoever he signs for. Problem is, if that is to be City, surely after one good season (playing for himself), he'd be off - would that one season be worth it for City?

schnikelbop you dont know what your talking about. Man City dont have the quality defenders to compensate for Dinho not tracking back ? proffesional 11 aside is nothing like a game of 5 aside , it doesnt work like 11 v's 10 if a striker doesnt come back. your 2 centre halfs will never push up past the opposing teams strikers anyway so it doesnt work like 11 v 10 ever. I play at a high level and our gaffer would go crazy if we tracked back - its not what forwards on an 11's pitch should do.

Also , i feel Richard Dunne and Micah Richards are as good defensively as anyone in the world.

Ronaldinho is world class , him and Deco just like the barcelona nightlife and girls too much - thats all , when he see's the quality of girls in Manchester he will have no choice but to concentrate on his football

If he goes to Milan , he will party it up just the same.

Mark Hughes is EXACTLY what that brazillian superstar needs this season - i hope he goes to Man City !!!!!!

I dont agree Phil. Ronaldinho is 28, therefore reaching the peak of any players ability. I would love him at Anfield playing behind Torres. Would be amazing. You have to be firm with him though and tell him no partying etc, if he does then he out and thats a stipulation in his contract. Noone at Barca dared to upset him because of the loss of earnings his image would bring to the club.
It shows ambition by City that they want to go and buy these players.
Im pretty sure that if he came to England he would be reinvented as one of the all time greats once again. Italy is the easy mans way out, a league full of corruption and slow football. Ron - Either stick with Barca or join the best league in the world!

Ronaldinho won't be joining Man City so this is a bit of a non issue. However what you have to realise is that Thaksin wants City to be seen as a real force in Europe, the only way you do that is by signing big names. Just the fact that this rumour has been around for so long will have increased the profile of City across Europe.

Lots of fans think these non football men don't know what they are doing, but they forget that some of these owners are the richest businessmen in the world. They know precisely what they are doing and it is not trying to do the managers job. If Hughes didn't want Ronaldinho he would have said so by now.

I for one would love to see him in the premiership but since the media and most fans seem to have decided he isn't wanted, he is even more likely to chose a warmer more hospitable country.

I've been reading Phil's column for quite some time now and this the first time I agree with what's been written. Ronnie is a has been, 22mil could be spent on someone like Diego Capel of Seville fc. He's 20years old and with his best years ahead of him. Should be a hit with the likes of the other up and coming youngsters at City. Mark Hughes is a good manager, so given another year or two, they should make wonders with the current squad they have! A plus would be 2 or 3 new faces, especially strikers!

Personally I think Ronaldinho wpuld have been a great signing for City. He would add that bit of glamour to the team and put them on the map.

As for the fee and wages, who cares how much it costs? it's Frank's personal wealth that will be used and not City's!

I also think that Ronaldinho will be out to prove something at his next destination to stick two fingers up to all those who think he's washed up!

I'm a United fan and would love to have him at Old Trafford.

'It is questionable whether he had even heard of Eastlands'

Respected Spanish football journalist Guiem Ballgue (hope i've spelt that correctly) has been on Sky Sports a couple of times recently stating 'Ronaldinho played a friendly at Manchester City's new stadium a couple of years ago and he's been telling his Barca team mates that he has fond memories of both the stadium and the fans and that it's a place he'd like to play'.

2 years ago he was the best player in the world and now, after one poor season, he's a washed-up has been at the age of 28!

I don't mind people questioning whether he'd tactically be a good buy or whether he'd be worth the huge amounts of money that's been speculated but please don't tell me he's not capable of getting back to being the world class player he was as little as 18 months ago.

All I'll say is that form is temporary and class is permanent!

Go and get him City! another big name for the Prem!

Phil McNulty

A player reaching his peak after 28? Tony Book! Won four trophies with City in his 30s. Another thing, players might reach their peaks by 28 but they can certainly maintain it for a lot longer, up until 32-33 in most cases.

I think it would be great for the Premier League to see the likes of Ronaldinho up against mega-stars such as Ballack, Torres, Essien, Gerrard and Fabregas.

The name alone will attract viewers from all over the globe.

So I say let Man City spend the dollar and get the Brazilian over here.

It would be so interesting!

i think if he came it would be great entertainment to see how he gets on.

shame he'd miss the start due to the olympics

Someone, maybe snicklebop, put it all into perspective in the modern English game when he questioned whether Ronaldinho would be prepared to come back and defend. This is all that is wrong with football in England today - a forward is not allowed to make a dazzling run with the ball, beat a few players and then relax to recover his breath. Oh no! He is required to cover back and chase and tackle. It was so good to see in the Euro championships, proper football played with the emphasis on passing the ball ON THE GROUND and not hoofed up in the air as it is in most English games, and then 6 players jump together and 3-4 end up injured on the ground.
How good in Euro '08 to see that, apart from the deplorable Michael Ballack who consitiently confronted the referees (obviously carried it forward from the dreadful Chelsea style) generally most games were free from this unacceptable behaviour.
Ronaldinho would be great to see in England, but it will not work if he is expected to 'tackle back' - to use the favoured English expression, and chase and challenge. If he is permitted to to be given the ball and then allowed to display his skills, then he would be an asset.

I just wish English football could revert to what the game is supposed to be about, skill with the ball. Unless the style changes then don't expect to see England qualify for a major championship for sometime yet.

25.5mil???? That's a joke! I'd rather put in a bid for Fabregas or Chelseaworkaholic Essien! I would go so far as to bid for Messi if the need be. But that amount of dosh for Ronnie is a farce!!!!!

im not sure you should be so quick to say big ron is past his peak at 28, he just needs to get his fitness back - and if mark hughes demanded one thing at blackburn it was for his players to be physically competitive. i think for the status he would bring to the club it would be money well spent, regardless of whether or not he recaptures his best form, he will be the biggest footballing name in manchester! he'd fill the stadium, man city would get more tv money etc etc, and he wasn't THAT bad last season when he played, some moments of pure brilliance. go for it thaksin!

I believe He'll go to AC Milan and rediscover his form and become one of the best players in the world again!

He's 28 and got around 5 good years left in him at the top, I'm sure once he leaves Barca and the players around him his attitude will change for the better.

We all get a bit bored of our own environment at times, it's just that it's time for a change for him.

Ronaldinho will always be a class player.

Completely agree with Randell Keith.

The guy is 28 and has a point to prove. Let's not forget he was world player of the year two years running (04+05) and although he went off the boil last year this hardly makes him "past-it". The talent's still there.

As for desire, I believe he would be "hungrier" at Milan playing alongside Kaka and Pato.

Ultimately, the guy loves partying and thats why he wont be coming to manchester. Not only is the nightlife crap but Sparky wouldnt let him out even for non-alcoholic cocktails...

Well, I think Ronaldinho still one of the greatests footballers of the time been, and his lack of form is nothing more than the desapointment of been away from the fields, also I don't see him as a trouble maker or something... we are not sure how the things run over there at barcelona's boards do we? i'm susppicious about a club that deals with a player of his size, that brought so much to the club, in the way they have been doing. Anyway, Ronaldinho has a full potential yet, and probably will play the olimpics with the brazillian side, what is good for any club willing to take him.
Maybe the fee and the wages are the turning down point to City, but they would be, in my point of view, taking the hole club to a new level of international projection, and the Premiereship evan more attrctive.

It amazes me to see people right Ronaldinho off purely on the basis of these form and fitness problems which are, just that, nothing more. He was called fat and lazy all year, the year before last, and still managed to score 21 goals; one of which - an overhead kick vs Villareal (i think) - was quite possibly one of the best goals i have ever seen. It has been reported that his penchant for partying has had an impact on his football, this i may be willing to concede. But the simple fact is that he is 28 years old, incredibly gifted AND at the back end of last year, before the sniping, intrigue and cloudiness at Barca got too much, he was said to have worked himself up into fantastic shape. Ronaldinho has had his time a Barca - that fracture is there for all to see BUT that does not mean he will nto be back. Mark my words

Chelsea Saffer - 25.5 mill a farce?

What about 18mil for Barry?

If 25.5 is a farce, then 18 for Barry must be a circus.

One bad season doesn't make a bad player.

Lest we forget Henry and Eto'o didn't exactly set the Nou Camp alight last year.

Those that say 'Dinho is done basically don't have a notion about football.

Ronaldinho is Brasilian. As such he has a latin temperament and loves the glamour life.
I simply cannot see him in some Manchester dive in the evenings. I cannot see him taking much interest in playing away on a cold wet January day.
The UK is not for him. Pity though, as he would have added a nice touch.

Anyone that thinks he's going to City is having a laugh. Tell me again how Big Phil is coming In. You'll have Bentley and finish in 12th.

For their sake? You could put City's entire midfield together and they would still be nowhere near Ronaldinho's standard. He's had one dodgy season. The 06-07 season he was criticised, but he actually scored 21 goals, which is no mean feat if he's supposedly off-form. Last season he had injury problems, but what evidence is there to suggest he can't return to the form of two seasons ago? At Barca if he has one poor match, the fans and press jump on him, so in that situation how can you perform? He's not loved there any more.

He needs a fresh start, a team like Man City where he would be the player who all play goes through would be ideal. His best form came when he was the focal point of the team (Barcelona and Brazil), rather than when he was just shoved out on the left wing.

Considering Jo (who?) is apparently worth £20 million, £25 million for Ronaldinho would be a bargain.

Frankly, the main article is nothing more than a rant. I remember the Beeb said Man Utd got a lucky escape when he signed for Barca rather than them...how right you were.

Didnt Real Madrid pay 25m for a 28 year old Mr Beckham...???

I doubt very much that theres a football team in the world that would choose
Beckham over Ronaldinho for the same amount of cash...For footballing or marketing/financial reasons....And when you look at the fees that some clubs are paying for players (Darren Bent/Schevchenko anyone..?, Or Garreth Barry for that matter who, in truth has yet to prove himself at any level higher than the prem) then 22m for for a proven player thats won just about every major trophy in world football and still has (potentially) 4/5 top class seasons left in him is good business....

Personally, I hope City get there man. Ronaldinho in the Premiership would be great...Anyone who says otherwise is either jealous of Citys ambition and potential or not a football fan at all.......

Correction! The old Ronnie of 2 seasons ago would be good for the PL. Paying that amount of money for him now is a massive risk! Out of touch, out of form, overweight! He seems to lack the passion needed to play, especially playing for City. What would motivate him to perform? He's a superstar in his own mind! He doesn't need average players around him. He needs to be ruffed up by Scolari to perform at his best but I don't see Chelsea making offers tho!

I'd offer Barca 13mil take it or leave it!

#75 JamesAutar

In the red half of Premiership Manchester, a couple of their best performers frequently tackle back when not in possession. Putting aside their most visible contributions in and around the opponents penalty area, Rooney and Ronaldo have a pretty good work ethic. In fairness though, the tackling back of Rooney is often assisted by a bit of a red mist.

To balance my own opinion a bit, one of my all time football heroes, Glenn Hoddle wasn't that famous for getting too sweaty but remained highly effective.

The Ilicipolero jury is still out though on Ronaldinho, I'm not at all convinced the numbers being mentioned represent good value.

The question I would ask to everyone is:

Would you like to see Ronaldinho grace our beautiful stadiums?

Personally I would pay an extra £10 if I thought Ronaldinho was going to come to Sixfields (Northampton Town) on a January afternoon in the F.A. Cup third round! Who wouldn't?

1- For god's sake get real. The man has won world player of the year TWICE. he is not 28 years old, rather 28 years young at his prime.

2- "What would City be getting for their vast transfer outlay and a wage packet that has been speculated upon as being around £200,000-a-week?" are you really that blind to business marketing? one simple answer is to do with turning City into a huge global brand, get this man to put a blue shirt on and shirts will be selling at a rate of 1000s per second.

3- Dr Shinawatra plans for this club are already paying off, turn your TV to CNN or ABC or even Aljazeera and you will hear City's name at least once a day.

4- He didnt hear of Eastland name's befoe Dr Shinawatra and what difference does that make? like Pele said: "player will go to one club one and declear thier passion for that club and go to another a year or two later and again claim that have passion for thier club" it is part of the modern game.

I dont belive for a second that any City fan will feel anything less than more pride of the Club if Dinho comes to play for us. But surley utter nonesense (such as the above) will not help the hard efforts behind the scence to bring such a massive name to City.

i for one, will sing and Shout Dihno's name throughout the game of each game if he comes to us.

Well CandyStripeJacko I'm not a pool fan but I have to agree that 18mil for Barry is ridiculous! I'd say Gerrard or even Lamps might be worth 18mil. Barry is an average player and Rafa would make a huge mistake by signing him for that amount. The kop want the P/L, signing Barry will not bring them that. I'd splash that dosh out on Diego of W Bremen, never Barry! Tooo Average!

1- For god's sake get real. The man has won world player of the year TWICE. he is not 28 years old, rather 28 years young at his prime.

2- "What would City be getting for their vast transfer outlay and a wage packet that has been speculated upon as being around £200,000-a-week?" are you really that blind to business marketing? one simple answer is to do with turning City into a huge global brand, get this man to put a blue shirt on and shirts will be selling at a rate of 1000s per second.

3- Dr Shinawatra plans for this club are already paying off, turn your TV to CNN or ABC or even Aljazeera and you will hear City's name at least once a day.

4- He didn’t hear of Eastland name's before Dr Shinawatra and what difference does that make? like Pele said: "player will go to one club one and declare their passion for that club and go to another a year or two later and again claim that have passion for their club" it is part of the modern game.

I don’t believe for a second that any City fan will feel anything less than more pride of the Club if Dihno comes to play for us. But surely utter nonsense (such as the above) will not help the hard efforts behind the scene to bring such a massive name to City.

i for one, will sing and Shout Dihno's name throughout the game of each game if he comes to us.

1- For god's sake get real. The man has won world player of the year TWICE. he is not 28 years old, rather 28 years young at his prime.

2- "What would City be getting for their vast transfer outlay and a wage packet that has been speculated upon as being around £200,000-a-week?" are you really that blind to business marketing? one simple answer is to do with turning City into a huge global brand, get this man to put a blue shirt on and shirts will be selling at a rate of 1000s per second.

3- Dr Shinawatra plans for this club are already paying off, turn your TV to CNN or ABC or even Aljazeera and you will hear City's name at least once a day.

4- He didn’t hear of Eastland name's before Dr Shinawatra and what difference does that make? like Pele said: "player will go to one club one and declare their passion for that club and go to another a year or two later and again claim that have passion for their club" it is part of the modern game.

I don’t believe for a second that any City fan will feel anything less than more pride of the Club if Dihno comes to play for us. But surely utter nonsense (such as the above) will not help the hard efforts behind the scene to bring such a massive name to City.

i for one, will sing and Shout Dihno's name throughout the game of each game if he comes to us.

Here in Brazil, Ronaldinho has been very quiet about his future. There is no doubt however that from some of the interviews he has given here he is desperate to play football again. As far as the party life is concerned, he has not been indulging in it here. He probably more than any other Brazilian player loves playing football. If city have the chance to sign him and they don't then they are stupid. Romario, Ronaldo, Kaká and Ronaldinho are the best players to have come out of Brazil in the last 15 years. Forget about Jo and Elano........ if you can sign him with the motivation he has been showing here and his renewed love for playing the game, which not money has always been his motivation, not only should you do so but build your team around him. He will also create an international interest in City. Comparing Barry at 18 million to Ronaldinho at 22 million is a joke.

Being a Barcelona fans for years now and having the pleasure of meeting the tehn Fottballing Mastro that was Ronaldinho in the flesh in 2005, I can't now help but wonder why Man City want to shell out this sort of money to Sign Ronaldinho.

A bit of fitness and desire and he could take back his crown as the best Player in the world, but going to Man city is not showing much ambition at all.
Sigining for city is purely for the money, Man city will still not finsih in the top 4 even with Ronaldinho and Jo etc, etc.
They are a middle of the road team, and always will.

I think he should go to Milan where he will get back that desire to win things and do well(because Mialn can and will whip him into shape.



For me its a case of MORE FOOLS MAN CITY.

Ronaldinho a "has been" because of ONE bad season? "Past his peak" at 28? Come on!

I think to say he’s past his peak may well turn out to be accurate. On the other hand it’s possible that if he went to the right club and got mind, body and soul all working as it should, then he could have at least another year or two playing at the kind of level we were seeing 2 and 3 seasons back. Perhaps not likely but possible, in fact it’s for the very reason that there are easily identifiable things which we can put his lack of from down to that this remains a possibility. He's only 28.

Of course it’s a huge gamble and not one I’d fancy, especially at that price. But I wouldn’t write him off just yet.

Everyone's a fan of beautiful football in England so let us not berate him let's get behind him to come to City!

The two Ronnies in Manchester would be fantastic!