Ronaldinho to leave Milan

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian superstar footballer Ronaldinho has been given permission from AC Milan to leave the Italian giants, with Brazilian clubs Gremio, Flamengo, Palmeiras and Corinthians bidding to sign him.

At a press conference Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldinho thanked Milan for having him, but he made it clear that he wants to return to Brazil after almost 10 years in Europe.

Milan representative Adriano Galliani told the same press conference that the club wants to grant the player’s request to play “outside Italy”, which according to the player’s brother and agent Roberto de Assis would allow him to play elsewhere in Europe.

However, Ronaldinho wishes to return to Brazil, which is to host the 2014 World Cup.

Assis admitted talks with Gremio, Flamengo and Palmeiras and said he had not “yet” spoken to Corinthians officials although they expressed a wish to sign the talented striker.

“All Brazilian clubs are discovering their real financial potential, and they all think they will get the money they need to sign Ronaldinho,” Assis said.

In order to have the star player, Assis noted, the club in question will need to come to an agreement with AC Milan. Ronaldinho remains under contract to the Italian club until June.

Hundreds of Flamengo fans gathered before the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio when the press conference took place, in an effort to reinforce their club’s bid.

Ronaldinho missed last year’s World Cup in South Africa. However, new Brazil coach Mano Menezes called the player back for national duty in November, for a friendly against Argentina.