You really think a world class keeper can't help that much? I'm mean take a close look at the zebra's defence and tell me what do you think of them, they're more than shaky or leaky, yet Buffon gives them the confidence and the help they need in the key moments, that's what I'm talking about!



Agreed.

For those who read Spanish, here is a link to the original article about Ronaldinho's secret exams.

My Spanish is imperfect at best and I know nothing about the reliability of this website, but it's a bit worrying when the test results are described as 'ominous' (I think that's the correct translation of 'nefastos'.)

I'd like to believe the Buffon that players for the Italian national team is a titan compared to the one that's there for the Zebras. A couple of years back? Yes, he was the best keeper in Serie A when he had Zambarotta, Cannavaro, and the French guys patrolling the back. This time it's different.

He's still the best keeper in the world, though not the best in Serie A - this year for me it's been Julio Cesar. The Brazilian's been immense for Inter at times. Buffon is right up there at the top, but the Azzuri version is more calm, composed and overall solid.

As for a new keeper, I'd hate anyone over 28. I'd much rather get a good, young upcoming keeper from Germany or Russia (these two countries are keeper paradise) who leaks talent, let him grow a few years with us, and then we'll be set for the number 1 position for the next 6-10 years. Cost effective solution, and we can spend that money into other position that need more attention.

I can't forget how many games we screwed up this season because our midfield was tired, or attack toothless. Plus there's also a motivation problem with some of our star players. I'd love it if we can get at least one good-great player hot on the heel for players like Seedorf, Pirlo. Not only they get rests and matches off, but also perform better knowing they are not indispensable.

Oh, and for this reason alone R10 might be worth it. He'll bench Seedorf if he gets going, and no wonder the Dutch isn't happy with him coming here.

How come Buffon is the best keeper in the world but not in Serie A?

Of course he's more calm with Italy, because of the quality defenders he has in front of him, but does that have anything to do with his skills and performances? Actually I think he'd perform better with the zebras because of the high number of save he has to make every game.



Again, Milan wont trust a young keeper and I'm 100% sure of it. As for the young guns, it depends more on them than on Milan. As I said I don't think they'll accept the bench. Plus a keeper has more longevity than a field player, from 28 years old a keeper can play at a very good level until his mid 30's, that's 6-7 years.

You answered your own question in that Buffon seems more calm and serene when he plays for Italy. And it's mainly down to the quality of defenders. Maybe it's just me, but what few matches I've seen of Juve and Inter this season, the Brazilian looked more composed and better in front of the goal. I haven't seen all Juve matches to fairly conclude this, but the best keeper of Serie A this year has been Julio Cesar, followed by Buffon and Frey.

And yes, I may be wrong. And no, you don't have to agree with me.


Ditto. I'd not recommend anyone 28 and over, unless we're looking for a short term solution. They last the longest than players in other positions, but it's always better to invest in a keeper who is just about to peak. Unless they have Gianluigi in their name.

Ok, just want to clear up something, being the best in the world doesn't mean you can't be nervous or worried

(Why are we discussing goalkeepers in the Ronaldinho thread?)

Because erm we don't want R10?

Lol, you're right. But I meant best in the world in the sense that Christiano Ronaldo is the best player in the English League, but not many people can term him the best player in the world, or even in Portugal. But yeah, you make sense.


Um yeah, it's because the discussion spilled from the overall discussion about R10 based on the different players required in the different positions. Plus our priorities in the transfer season in respect to which players to look for first. It's complicated, I know.


Yeah, but enough of the keepers discussion. Let's wait for new progress in the R10 saga.

In a party last night Ronaldinho said to all of his guests that he will go to Milan @@@@

Damn it! I hope he meant he's just going to visit the city...

Source?

Am I the only one who thinks the news about his 'terrible' condition and that he won't be able to play at the top level is pure bullsh1t? he can't be worse than Ronaldo who was awfully overweight (and had ruptured his knee's ligament twice before) and yet managed to get back to top form in Milanello. he hasn't even been seriously injured before.

Yes he can.
Ronaldo wanted to play, Ronaldinho wants to party.

I honestly don't think he doesn't want to be the best again. that's not logical. it's just that when you lose your form in Barca, you can never find it back [the same goes for their coaches too] and the fans don't help you either. they just want the best out of you. so he couldn't get through the bad days. he's still behind the wall!

Here

Maybe he does want to be the best again. But maybe having a nice party is of bigger imporance for him
And it'S not like Barcas fan are responsible for his drop of form. He was their king. They would have forgiven him almost everything but he...well he doesn't want to play football anymore as it seems. He's unprofessional.

Of course Barca's fans are not "responsible" but they didn't "help" him either... a few months ago he was jeered on a few occasions by some of their 'fans'. that's not acceptable at all.

Wow... how do you know he doesn't want to play football? he's just having a bad season for god's sake! I can see expectations from such player are sky-high but still...

Is milannews.it reliable at all?!

Of course I can't now for certain....but then all his actions indicate that he's not motivated to make his way back to the top again. I mean which player would go to a disco when your team plays the macth of the season at Old Trafford? And which player would go out to party all night when he could be out there and play football?

Here they're quoting a Catalunian paper, but usually I believe they quite reliable.

My source was tuttomercato

Tuttomercato = milannews. Or rather, the other way around. Milannews is a subsite, if you will, from the kind folks at tuttomercato that's devoted exclusively to Milan. And as with tuttomercato, it gathers news from various sources -- the real question is whether this catalunyan paper is reliable or whether the one that quoted Ronaldinho's medical condition as ominous is reliable. I just don't know.

El Periodico is reliable. It's the main paper of Catalonia. That's the one where Cruyff writes his article every week.

Well, he's Brazilian. they live with these things... football, samba, etc! I think we don't understand how these things mean to them, unless we're Brazilian... personally I can't blame him for that. I don't even think his football is affected by these things. he hasn't just started dancing in the nightclubs! the Ronaldinho of 2005 used to go to nightclubs too...

I prefer to wait for the next season and see how he does. I just hope he leaves Barca, for whatever club he wants.

I don't understand why some of you aren't open to his possible arrival.
I mean we have a great opportunity to snap up one of the greatest footballers in the world for a price that wouldn't have been thaught of just a year back (sure it might be because he has had a bad season and is out of form - but he was also injured some of the time)
And surely some of you may think but hes a big party animal and that sort of thing isn't welcomed here (surely no one wants any of our players to be deliquent like that) but at Milan you hardly ever find that, plus the way I see it Ronaldinho has been one of the greatest footballers over the past few years (at a point no one can deny him being the greatest), his fans seemed to have lost faith in him surely as too his club (he has had a rough season) so he possibly decides to loosen up a bit and have some fun (party a bit). After all at the moment he is tied to Barca and he proberly doesn't really care about his image at that particular club after how he was treated by them.
Anyways I could be wrong about everything I said above (I am just voicing what I think can be a total possibility)
I think (or hope I should say) that he returns to being the player he once was (at whatever club he decides to go, {preferably Milan tho for me} -and except of course inter which I don't think will happen anyhow)
And in closing - needless to say I still think Berlusconi has a huge linking for him despite what he is currently thaught to be saying.

I for one don't want him because :

1- I want to see Milan playing with 2 strikers.
2- I don't want to think about the idea of him and Adriano in the same city.
3- I think Milan needs to cover up other areas and want to see more defenders and creative midfielders.

Other than that I admit that the idea of having him at a low price is more than tempting. I'll consider his arrival when the club strengthens other departments. I want him to be our last acquisition, a kind of bonus ...

Please....don't use those mindless sterotype of the samba dancing brazilian football player. A few years back one could have also argued in a same way about Gaza. "He's english. Football and alcohol are a unit for them. Just look at Greavsie and other great english football alcoholics." Both is just not true. And also to like samba doesn't mean to be drunk the night before a game
Besides that I know many brazilians and alcohol isn't as accepted there as it is in Europe or the US.

Phhh......I should have a beer now. Yummy, yummy.

Awesome post.

I think bringing Ronaldinho in has more side benefits than that are usually visible. Not only will we have a very capable backup for Seedorf, Kaka, even Pirlo, we'll have a pedigree in attack which will help in every week in the league. Speaking of which the value of Serie A will increase if a showboat like R10 is playing in it. Not to mention extra revenue for us whether by increased television rights or merchandise sales.

Of course, it all comes down to the possibility that Ronaldinho comes back to being the player he was a couple of years ago. And I'm not his biggest fan, but yeah, having him in the squad is 10x better than not. We can always sell him to some Middle East club IF things don't work out. Which is a very big if. Hehe.

If you think R10 wants tot be the back up for Seedorf and Kaka, I suggest you think again. If he comes he'll play as a starter and probably in Seedorf's place. The later already said that he's not giving his squad number let alone his place, and having in mind how Seedorf is important in the locker room, I think not having him is better for the squad and team spirit.

There is plenty of time - The transfer window hasn't even offically opened as yet
But regarding your 3rd point I can agree that there are more important positions to see about, but as i said it still early (it just happend that this Ronaldinho saga came in at a sort of untimely manner)
I am almost certain that its not that we a disregarding our other positions.

Seedorf has said alot of things over the years...one minute he says he wants to see out his Milan contract the next minute he doesn't know what will happen in the future and its possible that he can leave Milan (and back and forth), don't get me wrong I am not a hating on Seedorf its just that Seedorf contradicts himself . And as good as a player as Seedorf is he has to accept changes (Its supposed to be whats best for the team, not individuals)
Number changes happen all the time - time for him to grow up (I am sure something could be worked out regarding this anyhow, I am not sure how but we'll see, as it stands Dinho at Milan is just a dream for now still [wether u consider it to be a good or bad dream is another story])
Final thing I would just like to state that I would really like for Seedorf to stay he is one of our best players at the moment when hes in form, but I always accepted the fact that he may leave at some point. (After all he himself said it)

When did Seedorf say he could leave Milan?

+1 TriniKing.

Irrespective of him being one of the most complete midfielder in Europe, you can't deny that Seedorf is the most annoyingly vocal player in our team. He's not happy about the arrival of Ronaldinho, he was spitting crap when in interviews when Carlo changed his playing position a bit after the arrival of Pato. A couple of months back, he was pissed off when he was substituted in a match, and showed his frustration in front of the camera.

I mean he puts in good performances every now and then, but he really should learn to put a sock in every now and then. And of course, his place will be under threat when R10 comes over. Kaka can play with Seedorf or Ronaldinho and vice versa with Seedorf and R10. It's sort of like having Ronaldo and Sheva in the same team. And with the amount of games we play, players do need rest every now and then whether they like it or not. As for him saying he might leave Milan, I read it somewhere in the news section here sometime back. It was him and Gattuso who said they could leave.

Maybe we need Kaka/Seedorf more than Ronaldinho, but once can't deny the fact that the Dutch is an arrogant and vocal enigma.

+2

The second player i'd like to leave Milan after Kaladze.
The way i see it, he's arrogant and always act like
some sort of golden boy

But it is not ours to judge other person.Maybe he got his own reason
to behave like that. The same with Ronaldinho.
I agree with zd, maybe he got some reason that we are unaware of.
And what's the problem with the idea of R10 and Adri in Milan?
They are party animal yes but be advised,
R99 was a notorious man himself before he came here and
he survived just fine (apart from *cough* latest scandal)

Anyway, I'd take R10 over Seadorf any day.

N'importe quoi ...

Arrogant he is, but then again he's very vital for us. He's the link between Pirlo and Kaka, and more often than not it means goals for us. It's his attitude that's a problem. Plus, he's very, very vocal. A good thing that Carlo respects (or fears) Seedorf, and has accommodated him well. Imagine Mourinho or Real Madrid's previous coach. Fireworks, baby.

I'm in the neutral zone when it comes to the Brazilian buckteeth (R10), but if that means Seedorf's got company then I'm all for it. Maybe they two will start performing. And we severely need that with our brand of football. Remember Seedorf fired up against inter? Now, imagine R10 fired up against our city rivals. Deep thinking, but one can't stop a man for dreaming!

More than one occasion (One case in with I recall in particualr was an Interview with him on Espn - I think it was very early this season or leading up towards this season can't recall the definite time though. However I know for sure what he said too because he said it in English )

+ 1 (with regards to the post on the whole as well)

And regarding the bolded piece - I recall this as well (cant remember against who) but needless to say i was unimpressed with his behaviour on the matter. It was rather unprofessional. (Made almost a complete half lap or more around the pitch with a grim look on his face before he decided to head towards the bench)

^^ That was against Fiorentina at Florence.

He is a bit cocky. As much as I like him (and his parachute of an ***) I think he has not right to expect a place in Milan's starting XI next season based on his performances in this one.

in the end we wil sign him at a low price

I think CMF is right. Still not really enthusiastic about this purchase because I think the team needs other things (DEFENDERS! A KEEPER!) more, but...eh. Long as he doesn't screw the dressing room up.

There's a huge difference between the fact that he's arrogant, the fact that he tells Carlo what he thinks and the fact that he wants to leave! I for one never hear such a thing, and I think if he said or meant to threaten the club about leaving the main media would have wrote about it! Of course there's also the possibility that I missed it, but I'm not sure

Just to be sure, do you guys (those who are saying Seedorf wanted to leave Milan) think Kaka said he might/wanted/asked/threatened to leave too?

About his behaviour after being subed it's all Carlo's fault that's what you get when you are too much friendly with your players.

So very true. There needs to be a line between player and coach!

Am I the only one who supports Seedorf here. I mean he is an outstanding player explosive and when on form it seems like he can do anything. I would be upset if he left to bring in Ronaldinho. Seedorf is a very tricky player and who can you honestly say would be a good replacement for him. I am looking for someone who can play the same way he can and I have found none. i dislike Ronaldinho especially if he will take the place of one one of starters. I also am a bit against his transfer bcause AC Milan an ITALIAN team not AC BRAZILIA (lol tennie with AC KAKA inspiration baby) I would be much more comfortable with an Italian comming in like Montolivio. As Seedorf plays less and less he plays more and more and eventually be comes a starter. Also I think to put pressure on Pirlo under pressure we should get Cigarini a perfect Pirlo replacement and what do you know he is also Itailian. It woiuld be a complete shame to see either of those two going to anoher Serie A team when we could get them just as easily. Ronaldinho wont get back on form because he doesnt want to!! I say let him rot somewhere else so in 2 years we dont have to say oh why did we get him he is such a burden.

R10 will need abt 6 months to transform into himself he is a much better player than seedorf.... i respect seedorf but he also performs when he wants too I mean what did he do this season when kaka was injured other than to give the ball away in most of the matches he iplays gud when kaka plays gud bcoz then most team dont have that kind of focus on him ( not every match ) one thing is for sure R10 is a much better player than seedorf... we need replacemnt for seedorf more than pirlo

My concern is that Ronaldinho will disrupt the tranquility of the dressing room and create rifts within the team -- and that's not good for anyone. I also wonder about his motivation and dedication (ie, his professionalism) though I've never doubted his skill. And, like Maldini03 says, Milan is an ITALIAN team. I'd really prefer to see Italians coming in than yet more Brazilians.

altough he never created rift between the team but as you have no doubt in his skills then the matter of professionalism can be sloved by Milan.. barca gives to much linency to players Milan is very different to that we respect players but there is a limit as for motivation I think he will be way to motivated to prove everyone that what he is

God....I hate it when threads are hijacked, and I had nothing to do with it.

Seedorf stays, because like maldini03 says, he's one of the best at what he does, and he can still win you matches single handedly. He was around a year before Kaka btw and he won us matches then.

He's one of those classy players whom you cannot get rid of. And let's not forget he has played as many matches as Kaka. Hard to say, why we go easy on Kaka who's 24 claiming fatigue, while a 32 year old is being plain lazy.


Sorry, I'm an old school, Seedorf+Andy P+Pippo fan.

But even if otherwise, we haven't got any bleeding creativity. Seedorf can play with R10, and with Kaka. And this is my favourite formation currently, we finally get that Milan which can start something without Pirlo.

------Flamini---Ambro-----
Kaka-------Clarence-----R20--
----------Pippo/<heck put Porty here>--

As for the rift in the dressing room, I doubt it. Because the other players get along with each other so well. And R20 doesn't strike me as the kind of player who poisons other people against each other

A dude who follows R20 (and I mean fanatically, posters in the room,T-shirts etc), says R20 was very hurt when Eto'o and co. turned on him like that in the Barca room. And he's unfortunately not the kind of guy who's good at dissing shite out as well as he receives it. So this party thing is his kind of shell. He isn't enjoying his football at Barca anymore, and he's looking to keep himself happy. Oh and I'm assured he's NOT arrogant. I'm told his elder brother is a prick though. R20 semi-worships de Assis, and most of the decision making is done by this guy. In fact this guy who is a staunch Barca fan, actually supports R20 coming to Milan. He feels it's the only place where R20 could get his head together again. What he told me was, R20 is not going through half the shite, that Ronaldo was going through, so if Milan could rehabilitate Ronaldo , Dinho should be a piece of cake.

I'm chatting with this dude right now on gtalk. So copy pasting almost.

In fact the only reservation I have about this transfer is the whole La Liga curse on Milan. Yet to see a La Liga player do well here. If they can play, they get injured. If they don't get injured, they play like shite.