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City in hunt for Ronaldinho, Thaksin confirms

05/06/2008

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has admitted he is in negotiations with Barcelona over the signing of Brazilian striker Ronaldinho.

The 28-year-old has been told he can leave the Nou Camp this summer after a below-par season affected by injury and loss of form.

Ronaldinho's advisers have previously stated the player has no interest in playing in the Premier League and would rather continue in Latin Europe - possibly in Italy.

But this has not deterred Shinawatra, who says he is keen to "see [his] dream come true" by signing the former world player of the year for his side.

"Ronaldinho… is a great player. Whatever the club in your heart, you would want to see this player in England," Shinawatra told the Daily Mail newspaper.

"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."

Shinawatra also denied that in signing Ronaldinho the club would be forced to disrupt its existing wage structure, saying it "is not a risk" because "sponsors will contribute".

"It will not damage our wage structure. Garry and Pairoj, my chief advisers, they are taking care of this transfer. I am very excited," he added.