February 21, 200718 yr Ronaldo and AC Milan: The Right Fit and the Right Time Who said life wasn't ironic? Amidst scandal and violence, Italy overtook Brazil in the controversial FIFA rankings in the number one spot ending in the process Brazil's outstanding 55-month reign. A Brazilian - Kaka - is now an Italian citizen and Ronaldo - one of the greatest strikers to ever play the game - returns to Serie A.In the quiet Renaissance town of Siena, former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo conducted his own rebirth. Il Fenomeno scored twice and set up another as he helped pace AC Milan to a 4-3 thrilling victory over Siena this weekend. The Rossoneri (red and black) literally put away the feisty Tuscans on the last play of the game scoring off a corner kick.While Ronaldo has clearly lost a step, his footwork remains lethal. This is a striker, when all is added up, that still possesses sharp and exquisite skills. He had been unfairly characterized by some as being fat and out of game shape. Sitting on the bench while battling injuries tends to do that.His prowess did not elude Siena midfielder Simone Vergassola. "Perhaps he's not as devastating as he was years ago, but he is always decisive and one on one he's invincible."Indeed, all game long Ronaldo was causing problems for the Sienese defense.It's a new beginning for Ronaldo as he returns to Italy. Originally in the nerazzuri (black and blue) stripes of Internazionale, Milan is a city prepared to fully embrace his return. AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was clear from the start in thinking that Ronaldo can still achieve great things.During the 1950s, AC Milan were lead by three Swedes - the legendary Gunnar Nordhal, Nils Liedholm and Gunnar Gren. Together they were known as the Gre-No-li line. Incidentally, if I ever had a son I would name him Gunnar. Can't get a more masculine name than that. In the late 1980s and early to mid 1990s three splendid Dutchmen in Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard joined an unbreakable back line of Alessandro Costacurta, Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi to create one of the greatest soccer teams ever.And now Milan turns to the Brazilians. In the match against Siena, Ronaldo was part of a Brazilian trio formation that included Ricardo Oliviera and Kaka, This instantly gives Milan potent depth up front considering they also have Alberto Gilardino and Filippo "The Pouncer" Inzaghi. While the Brazilians may not bring back the dominance seen in the 1990s with the Dutch, there is no doubt they will influence Milan moving forward.Ronaldo will not be in the line up against Celtic but it is clear that with him wearing the Milan colors he has given a new dimension to their offense. Ronaldo will once more roam the pitch and he will be looking to carry on a soccer legacy for both Milan and himself.
February 21, 200718 yr RONALDO SHIRTS BID HITS 12000 EURO!The auction on ACMilan.com of the Milan shirt worn by Ronaldo on his debut for the club, autographed by the player has reached a bid of 12000 euro. The auction, which will run until 3.30pm CET on February 23, has been orginised in conjunction with Radio Italia and the proceeds will go towards Milan Foundation projects.
February 21, 200718 yr RONALDO AT MILANELLO Ronaldo trained at Milanello on Wednesday afternoon under the guidance of the Milan Lab staff. The Brazilian went through a strength-building session from 3pm CET until 4.30pm CET.
February 22, 200718 yr He's the best soccer, thanks LuNo.I just don't like Cicarelli, but it doesn't matter,I love Ronaldo.
February 22, 200718 yr RONALDO SHIRT AUCTIONS ENDS TOMORROWThe auction on ACMilan.com of the Milan shirt worn by Ronaldo on his debut for the club, autographed by the player has reached a bid of 12000 euro. The auction, which will run until 3.30pm CET on February 23, has been orginised in conjunction with Radio Italia and the proceeds will go towards Milan Foundation projects. Make your offer now
February 22, 200718 yr RONALDO'S DAY AT MILANELLOAfter training under the guidance of the Milan Lab staff yesterday, Ronaldo arrived at Milanello this afternoon along with his son, Ronald. The Brazilian started training at 3pm CET.The session began with half an hout on the bicycle and tread-mill, then he joined Daniele Tognaccini who had returned from Glasgow with the rest of the squad, for a series of short sprints. Ronaldo ended the session in the gym.Ronald was with his father all day and called for Ronaldo's help in his running battle with the first mosquitos of the year at Milanello.
February 22, 200718 yr Ronaldo scores in the Rossoneri’s training game in a session with a focus on ball possession that included SerginhoThe team were back training today at 15.00CET. The keepers (Nelson Dida, Zeljko Kalac, Marco Storari and Valerio Fiori) started working immediately on the central field, while the rest of the team started the session with warm-ups, strengthening exercises, stretching and a raised obstacle course.There were sixteen players training, fifteen from the first squad plus Matteo Darmian from Milan’s Primavera youth side. Carlo Ancelotti started the players on a ball possession exercise, with eight-against-eight on the reduced pitch. The coach played for the first few minutes of the exercise and then was substituted by Clarence Seedorf. Serginho also participated in this exercise. After this the Rossoneri started on a second tactical exercise on the half pitch with only one goal.An eight-against-eight training game on the half pitch with two goals ended the session. Dida and Kalac were guarding the goals, while Storari and Fiori worked apart. The following players worked in the gym during today’s session: Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze, Giuseppe Favalli, Alberto Gilardino, Massimo Ambrosini, Andrea Pirlo and Yoann Gourcuff.Rino Gattuso and Serginho concluded the session in the gym, while Gastone Bottini joined the rest of the group in the training game. Of special note are Pippo Inzaghi’s and Ronaldo’s goals. The Brazilian sank a brilliant left footed shot. The team will meet tomorrow at Milanello at 14.30CET and training will start at 15.00CET.
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