Milan set Ronaldinho ultimatum
Spanish newspapers claim Milan have set an ultimatum to Barcelona – accept £10m for the player or abandon negotiations.
So far the Rossoneri have baulked at the demands for the Brazilian player, said to be in the region of £40m.
Although FIFA agent and Milan go-between Ernesto Bronzetti has publicly stated “Barca usually ask for at least double their real target,” even £20m is considered too steep after Dinho’s dismal campaign.
They have the will of the player on their side, as personal terms have already been agreed with Milan and Ronaldinho has made no secret of his desire to join the Club World Cup winners.
With this in mind, and Barca risking losing the Liga title to Real Madrid after last night’s 2-0 defeat to Deportivo La Coruna, the Rossoneri are backing them into a corner.
Catalan newspaper Sport today claims that a new and final offer of £10m for Ronaldinho has been tabled, along with the absolute assertion there will not be a penny more.
Although clubs such as Manchester City have offered considerably more for the Brazilian, his heart is set on Milan and attempting to force him into a move to the Premier League could spark a legal battle.
After all, Ronaldinho could in theory cite FIFA’s Article 17 and extricate himself from his contract for just over £10m and all involved want to avoid such drastic action.
Article 17 allows players to unilaterally break a contract after their “protected period” expires – after three years if they signed when under the age of 28 and two years if they put pen to paper when older.
The buy-out clause is calculated based on the original transfer fee and wages.
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