City set sights on Ronaldinho
05 Jun 2008 - 07:53:23
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has revealed his intention to bring Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho to the club.
Shinawatra, who appointed Mark Hughes as Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor as manager at Eastlands on Wednesday, is keen to see City challenge the established top four in the Premier League.
Ronaldinho is believed to be available for transfer after struggling with form and fitness at Barcelona for the past 18 months.
But the former Thailand prime minister has denied suggestions that signing the former world and European player of the year would prove too costly.
"Ronaldinho - you know, he is a great player. Whatever the club in your heart, you would want to see this player in England, wouldn't you?" Shinawatra told the Daily Mail.
"It is not a risk. Sponsors will contribute. It will not damage our wage structure. (Executive chairman) Garry Cook and Pairoj, my chief advisor, they are taking care of this transfer. I am very excited.
"I am 59 next birthday, so I am not a man who can wait for many years to see my dreams come true.
"Ronaldinho is 28. He has much still to offer, he is a star. You need a combination of new players, existing players, quality, young and old.
"I admit also you need a player who is more than just winning the match. You need a star who can play on the pitch, but who can achieve much more for the club. Ronaldinho is that player.
"I am hearing good things about his hunger. I have spoken to his brother (and agent).
"Ronaldinho wants the new challenge, the chance to play his best football again, to return to the days when he was really, really famous. The magic is still in his boots. Let us hope we can bring him."
Meanwhile Shinawatra, who has also revealed his admiration for CSKA Moscow's Brazil striker Jo, has explained his decision to sack Eriksson after just one season.
"I want you to know that Sven is a good man. I brought him to the club and supported him with investment and we still have a good friendship," he continued.
"But I want this club to advance faster, much faster. Sven is a good football general, but we need more. We must play with more consistency, much more urgency. In the second half of the season, the slide was too bad, too much.
"Mark Hughes is an excellent appointment. The players need to be motivated, instead of playing like people who are not being paid any money."