With a torn leg muscle ruling him idle, two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho might have his feet up, but his brother and agent Roberto De Assis can’t keep still. First he was spotted meeting with AC Milan GM Adriano Galliani in Italy last week, then come reports from England that Manchester City officials were entertaining De Assis over the weekend during a home match vs. Chelsea — yet another club that his brother has been linked with. Serie A champion Inter Milan has also expressed interest, and rumor has it that Major League Soccer has even made a few inquiries.
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho’s current club, Barcelona, wants to improve relations with the Brazilian star, who is unhappy at the role he’s played this season, even when fit. The Spanish press has reported that Barca officials accused the player of lacking commitment and being overweight. As a result, De Assis has threatened to invoke a FIFA rule that would nullify Ronaldinho’s contract, which runs through 2010 and carries a hefty buyout clause.
Though none would confirm it, the aforementioned clubs seem to have taken these signs as an indication that Ronaldinho is now in play. While Milan and Inter deny meeting with De Assis, Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson even sounded surprised by reports that the club was courting the Brazilian. “I hope it’s true,” the Swede said. “I would not protest against it. But I don’t know if Ronaldinho wants to play in the InterToto Cup next season.”