Ronaldo set for Milan debut

Carlo Ancelotti has called Ronaldo for Sunday’s Livorno game and confirms he could make his Milan debut.

“He will start from the bench. If the opportunity arises, then he will play,” explained the Coach in his Press conference.

“Ronaldo has been doing well in training. He really wants to make the most of this opportunity to get back to the highest levels.”

When he first arrived from Real Madrid in January, club doctors warned that Il Fenomeno would require around a month of training before he was ready for Serie A football.

However, the Brazilian has impressed with his tenacity and the fitness levels mean he could make his bow against Livorno this weekend.

“He is very motivated, disciplined and eager to prove himself. Now above all he has to understand his teammates’ movements and gel with them, but with the qualities he possesses, I doubt that will be difficult.”

Milan are still awaiting the verdict from this morning’s inspection on the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, as the installation of 28 new turnstiles overnight could allow the presence of the season ticket holders on Sunday. If the new measures were rejected, then Ronaldo would be greeted by empty stands.

“I think some things weren’t dealt with competently after the Catania riots,” insisted Ancelotti. “It was right to clamp down on hooligans, but closing the stadiums completely puts the blame on an entire sport that is in reality the victim of these delinquents.

“It is true that we must all change our attitude and grow in terms of respect for our opponents, but without the crowd there, it’s just not football. It is a virtual game and in my view not really worth playing.”

With Marco Borriello suspended for failing a drugs test and Pippo Inzaghi injured, Ronaldo’s arrival is just in time to help the push for a Champions League place.

“Inzaghi has started running again and should be ready in the next few games. Serginho must not be rushed, but he is doing much better. Kakha Kaladze will be on the bench on Sunday and Alessandro Nesta is still in the States for specialist treatment, but should be completely healed by the time he returns.”

It was strongly rumoured that Real Madrid had requested Ricardo Oliveira as part of the Ronaldo move, but the Brazilian has stayed at San Siro.

“He is in good shape and I really hope with all my heart he can express that potential,” continued Ancelotti.

“So far his form in training hasn’t yet transferred to the match day. As Ronaldo is Cup-tied, Oliveira will be very important for us in the Champions League.”

I was watching an Oliveira interview on Milan Channel a couple of days ago and he seemed happy he managed to stay with us and was very impatient of showing us all what he can really do.

Oh goodie...so Carletto doesn't hate Oli.

that's good!

Ronie enjoys Milan bow

Ronaldo was content with his performance, returning to the other side of San Siro after four and a half years.

“It wasn’t easy to arrive and play only a few days after joining the club,” said the new Milan signing.

He made his debut in the 2-1 win over Livorno, coming on for fellow Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira on 63 minutes.

“I am very happy with the victory, as these are three important points in the bag. My initial sensations with Milan have been excellent and I’m in good shape, although I do have to improve.

“It’s all different now and I have a lot to learn from this squad. I thank my teammates for helping me settle in. I still don’t know all their movements, but it went well both with a partner and as a lone striker. The goals will come.”

Although Il Fenomeno, who had made his mark on Serie A with Inter before moving on to Real Madrid, had three shots on goal – two on target – the scorers were Gennaro Gattuso and Marek Jankulovski.

“After Inter there was Real for many years, so there’s no point talking about the past now,” added Ronaldo.

“I am proud to wear this jersey and we have to let go of what once was. Playing a game per week, I am sure to improve my form a great deal.”

It wasn’t clear how the former Nerazzurri man would be welcomed, but the Milan season ticket holders cheered Ronie when he stepped on to the pitch.

“He played for half an hour, had three chances and did very well to lose his marker,” explained Carlo Ancelotti.

“His fitness levels have to improve, but I think this is a player who will become very important for us. Ronaldo is an incredibly talent and, although he lacks a little consistency right now, the rest is still in place – his pace, power, reactions and technique.”

RONALDO

I was happy to make my debut. I am happy, it was great. I even had a few chances to score, even thought unfortunately I didn’t. The fans are very supportive and that in itself is satisfying. It is a further motivation. They expect a lot of from me and I hope to not disappoint them. I want to score a lot of goals for them. It’s a pity that I wasn’t able to score today, but it’s just the first game and I am sure I will improve. There’s a lot of work to do in the next week. At the end of the game, my team-mates gave me a big group hug. This is a great place to be. We are all happy about the three points.

I am feeling totally positive, relaxed and confident. I work hard during the week. My team-mates accepted me just as I am and I am happy about that. Kakà is charged up. He’s a happy guy. My team-mates welcomed me warmly with a round of applause during my first training session. I think that having the fans at the stadium was important. The Milan fans have always behaved well. Playing without them would be sad. It just wouldn’t be fun anymore.