Ronaldinho commits himself to Milan
Ronaldinho says he is fully dedicated to Milan following an offseason filled with transfer speculation. The 2004 and 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year told the Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday he’s happy at Milan, adding, “I’m here to play and I let my brother worry about the market questions.” Ronaldinho’s brother, Roberto de Assis, is also his agent. Ronaldinho had been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Galaxy and missed the opening of Milan’s pre-season training. After a week of running, he said he was ready to play in the pre-season TIM Cup against Inter and Juventus. After missing the World Cup squad, Ronaldinho said he’s hoping to return to the national team under new Brazil coach Mano Menezes.
Santos may report Chelsea over Neymar bids
Santos says it could report Chelsea to FIFA for allegedly trying to lure striker Neymar without talking to the Brazilian club first. Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro says Chelsea is insisting on reaching out to Neymar for transfer talks even though the club has already denied an offer made for the 18-year-old striker. Neymar and his father reportedly met with Chelsea officials after the striker helped Brazil beat the United States in a friendly on Tuesday. Ribeiro told Brazilian media on Thursday the club may ask FIFA to intervene against Chelsea. He has said Santos doesn’t want to sell the player, but Chelsea can have him by paying the €35 million buyout clause. Chelsea’s initial offer reportedly reached €20 million.
Riquelme signs new deal with Boca
Playmaking midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has finally signed a four-year contract with Boca Juniors. The new contract was announced on Tuesday, but it took Riquelme until Thursday to sign. The 32-year-old Riquelme’s penchant for attracting controversy affected the deal. Word leaked out as the contract was offered that the Boca board of directors was split evenly over offering Riquelme a new deal. The tie was broken by Boca president Jorge Ameal. Ameal confirmed Riquelme will receive $5 million over the four-year contract, and a portion of the proceeds from a farewell match if he elects to retire. “It would have been ideal if this has been worked out in the first meeting.” Riquelme said on Thursday. “Some negotiations take less time, some take more. The important thing is I will be a Boca player for four more years and I hope we can win many things.” Riquelme said he had offers from other clubs including Racing, Independiente and Estudiantes.
Moreno won’t return to DC United next season
This season will be the last at DC United for Jaime Moreno, the leading goalscorer in MLS history. The club says the 36-year-old forward might return to his Bolivia homeland to play but has a standing offer to return to United and work for the club. United president Kevin Payne calls Moreno “an invaluable member” of the team and “arguably the greatest player in the history of Major League Soccer.” Moreno broke the MLS record for goals with No. 109 in 2007 and his total is 132. He has one goal in 16 games this season for United, which has only three wins.
Wenger close to signing new contract
Arsene Wenger is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal to extend his stay as coach of the Premier League club past the end of this season. Wenger has been with the north London side since September 1996 and his current contract expires at the end of the 2010-11 campaign. The Frenchman says he had been offered a new deal by Arsenal ahead of tomorrow's season opener at Liverpool, and says his "situation will be sorted out very soon." Wenger added that "I have to show how much I believe in this team by showing my commitment."
Lazio sign Brazilian midfielder Hernanes
Serie A side Lazio has signed Brazil midfielder Hernanes from Sao Paulo. The Rome-based club agreed a five-year contract with Hernanes after paying Sao Paulo a reported €13.5 million ($17.3 million) for his transfer. At the player's unveiling yesterday, coach Edy Reja noted that Hernanes can play any of the midfield positions.
Hernanes, whose full name is Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lima, recently made his second appearance with Brazil's national team in a 2-0 win over the United States in a friendly Tuesday.
Celtic's Aiden McGeady joins Spartak Moscow
Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady has signed a four-year deal with Spartak Moscow, the Russian Premier League club announced.
The fee for the 24-year-old Irishman was not released but is thought to be around €11.6 million ($14.8 million). The Glasgow-born McGeady, who scored 37 goals in 252 games for Celtic, joins midway through the domestic Russian season and looks ahead to Champions League football in September. Spartak are currently languishing midtable after finishing second in 2009, earning direct passage to the Champions League group stage.