MILAN, Italy (AFP) - Brazilian star Ronaldo has insisted that he
still has a lot to offer the game as he was unveiled at new club AC
Milan.
The 30-year-old striker signed from Spanish giants Real Madrid for
a fee believed to be 7.5 million euros (9.7 million dollars).
After a stop-start season with Real due to injuries to his ankle
and calf the transfer brings Ronaldo back to northern Italy after
having played for Milan´s city rivals Inter for five years until
2002.
"Challenges are always the most important thing for me. My story
has not finished yet," Ronaldo told a press conference.
"I turned down money for the ´sporting´ challenge. I turned down
more money to move to Saudi Arabia and the United States.
"I could even have stayed at Real but Milan offered me a new
challenge and I accepted that challenge."
Ronaldo´s move to Italy comes as former Real team-mate David
Beckham is set to move to LA Galaxy in the Major Soccer League in a
deal worth 128 million pounds.
"Everyone has to take their own route, I selected the road to Milan
and hopefully I will do really well for this club and the people
who have welcomed me with such affection," said Ronaldo.
"I believe that just being at Milan is a great motivation. I turned
down financial offers which were a lot higher, that´s a great
motivation. Rather than money, I want to show everyone who I still
am.
"I have no doubts, I have my history which has been really
wonderful. However, this challenge happened and I am pleased to be
here.
"I spent five good years in Milan and I still have a lot of friends
here. Then, it´s a joy to play for Milan, it´s a dream for any
player.
"I am very pleased, the fans have received me with really great
affection and I am sure things will improve, and slowly and surely
I will start to score goals."
