A stroll through Italy and the Serie A
by Patrick Tarroni, SerieA.tv
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Ronaldinho has promised to take AC Milan back to the top of world football.
The San Siro was almost half full to see the official presentation of the Rossoneri's latest signing and the Brazilian promised to bring the glory days back.
The 28-year-old said: "I am here to win, I am still young and I have arrived at the right moment."
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The signing of the former Barcelona front man has initiated a wave of enthusiasm with the fans and the Milan giants have had a surge in season ticket sales since the news was made official.
He added: "I can only thank everybody for the welcome and affection shown. I will repay them for what they have shown so far by giving them lots of goals and entertainment."
"For me it is a very special moment. I have no doubts, it was my dream to play for this team, for these fans - I wanted this shirt."
The lack of Champions League football was not a deterrant for a player who is used to setting the standards.
"This problem motivates me even more to try and do well and get Milan back into the competition."
The Milan faithful may be eager to see their new player in action but they will have to wait till the end of August when the Olympics will be over as that is the first objective for the former World Player of the Year.
"It is a very important comtetition for Brazil, we have never won it. It is fundamental for my career as well and will not create problems for anyone here at Milan."
Inter hold on to Jimenez
Luis Jimenez will continue to play at Inter for another year.
The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with the Nerazzurri and finally a deal has been struck that sees the player stay in Milan on a co-ownership deal.
The Italian champions are expected to buy out the remaining fifty percent in a year's time. The player nicknamed 'The Wizard' made 15 appearances for the San Siro outfit last season scoring three goals.
The Chilean moved to Italy in 2002 and spent three seasons at Ternana before moving to Fiorentina in 2006 followed by a loan spell at Lazio for one season then moving to Inter in 2007.
Poulsen looks for redemption
Christian Poulsen has declared that he will do all he can to win over the Juventus fans.
The 28-year-old is better known in Italy for being spat at by Francesco Totti at Euro 2004 but said he would happily shake hands with the AS Roma captain when the two meet on the pitch.
"With Totti there is no problem, no bad feelings, when we meet as rivals I will shake his hand. These are episodes which belong in the past, end of story."
Recent comments by AC Milan's Rino Gattuso claiming the the Dane is a brave man to move to Italy where his reputation is so poor have only encouraged the former Seville player that he can win the hearts of the fans.
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"I respect him [Gattuso] as a player and as a person. Now it is up to me to earn the respect of the public for what I am, to demonstrate that I am a quality player and not just full of character and determination."
The tough tackling midfielder will find competition for places harder than ever with the Old Lady but is undaunted by the prospect.
He added: "I am 28 and I want to improve. I know that at Juve the competition is fierce but I am not scared, I am ready and I do not feel like a second choice: I will fight for my place."
Cigarini proud of Atalanta
Luca Cigarini is convinced that he has done the right thing in moving to Atalanta.
The 22-year-old, who was relegated with Parma last season, is the most expensive player to move to the Nerazzurri after Comandini in 2001 but is not daunted by the prospect of having to live up to such a billing.
He said: "I am honoured that Atalanta made such an offer. Now it is just up to me to try and repay that faith and show that I am a worthwhile investment."
It took some time for the playmaker to accept that proposal which raised doubts amongst the Bergamo fans about his willingness to sign for their club but the Italy under-21 international is quick to dispel those rumours.
"For me it was an important decision. Atalanta are a great club and I just wanted to discuss it with my family to understand what to do. For me it was an important decision."
Another new arrival at the Bergamaschi is Christian Vieri who was ill-received by the fans after leaving the club just one year ago when he moved to Fiorentina but for the midfielder it is a chance to learn from one of the greats.
He added: "It wil be an honor playing with him, he is a true champion and he has done good things everywhere - with his clubs and with Italy. What more can I ask for?"
Patrick Tarroni is a writer and match commentator for SerieA.TV and contributes Italian soccer news for FoxSoccer.com.
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