Ancelotti says Ronaldo ready for comeback

ROME: Brazilian superstar Ronaldo could make his injury comeback for AC Milan in Tuesday's friendly against a United Arab Emirates representative team in Dubai.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told the official AC Milan website that Ronaldo will play some part in the match.

The three-time world player of the year has only played one game this season, when he started against Cagliari, hitting the post with one shot and winning a highly dubious penalty in an eventful game.

But otherwise it has been a frustrating campaign for the former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, who began his AC Milan career in impressive fashion last season, scoring seven goals in 14 league matches since his January transfer window move from the Bernabeu.

"Ronaldo should play some part in the game," said Ancelotti. "Ronie has been one of our best players these last few days, as has been (Yohann) Gourcuff and so this training camp has been very positive.

"Ronaldo is fine, his condition has improved a lot and consequently so has his mood.

"Regardless, there has never been any doubt between him and the club, he wants to play for Milan."

Ronaldo has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the winter break after he was photographed wearing a Flamengo shirt at a party in Brazil over Christmas.

He has long seemingly struggled with weight problems - he was unkindly nicknamed El Gordo (Fatty) at the end of his Madrid career - and appears a shadow of his former self.

However, Ancelotti is happy to have him back and will have four strikers at his disposal for the second half of the season, having made do with two in the first half.

Alberto Gilardino and veteran Filippo Inzaghi have shouldered the brunt of the workload until now but with young Brazilian wunderkind Pato finally available, Milan's attack will have two new thrusts to it in 2008.

"When the championship resumes we will have four strikers at our disposal," added Ancelotti.

"That will allow us to play a variety of tactics throughout the campaign. We will be able to play with two up front, although that will also depend on our opponents' tactics."

AFP

(China Daily 01/09/2008 page24)