The Independent reports that new Man City boss Mark Hughes reckons that he can get Ronaldinho’s mind away from bars and women and back to football.
The Brazilian’s fall from grace at Barca has left the Camp Nou High Command with no option but to let him go.
“People are questioning Ronaldinho’s situation at the moment and maybe what we’re doing here might attract more than going to an established Champions League club like Chelsea,” Hughes said. “He may feel this is an exciting option for him. With us, Ronaldinho could help drive this club to the very top and be a part of something new and exciting.”
Hughes appeared to be unperturbed by the fitness doubts surrounding a player for whom City are understood to have agreed a £10m fee with Barcelona, which would bring the Brazilian to Manchester on a three-year deal worth more than £100,000 per week. “We can help him get back to where he was,” Hughes said. “Like a lot of players at this stage of the season, he’s not in the best physical shape. But if he does end up coming here, make no bones about it, we’d get him up to speed very quickly.”
Hughes has not yet had a conversation with Ronaldinho to press his club’s case though the signing of 21-year-old Jo will underline what ambitions the club have. (Independent)
Ronaldinho’s slump has less to do with a sudden downturn in lifestyle and more to do with his ageing body. Whilst a daily train, party, sleep regimen is ok for a 23 year old, the toothy goon is now 28. Hughes claims that he will “get him up to speed very quickly” but if the Brazilian found it hard to lift his game at the Camp Nou, what hope for him in a wet Wednesday at the Eastlands?