Gilberto Silva wants Ronaldinho at Arsenal
June 28, 2008
Brazil are preparing for two crucial World Cup qualifiers – against Paraguay tomorrow and arch-rivals Argentina on Thursday – as the South American campaign for South Africa 2010 gets serious.
And Elano says the squad are all guessing Ronaldinho’s next move.
“At first sight, one could believe it is a mistake to leave Barcelona for Manchester City,” said the midfielder.
“But I know Manchester City, I know its structure and I can say one thing for sure: it would be very good for Ronaldinho and excellent for our club. I hope it becomes concrete.”
Ronaldinho, 28, is currently resting in his home city of Porte Alegre. City owner Thaksin Shinawatra will finance any deal with the help of sponsors including Nike, and the club claim the player is enthusiastic about joining them, however that will change if Chelsea step in.
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is hoping talks between Manchester City and Barcelona fail as he wants Ronaldinho at the Emirates. He said: “Ronaldinho is special, and anyone would like to have him as his team-mate.”
Elano and Silva are in the underpressure Brazil squad for the clash with Paraguay, along with Manchester United’s Anderson. Javier Mascherano is involved for Argentina, who play host to Ecuador before travelling to Brazil, but Carlos Tevez is suspended after being sent off against Colombia last year.
Brazil – who are missing Ronaldinho and Kaka – are third in the group after four games, behind leaders Paraguay.
A defeat in a friendly to Venezuela last week increased the pressure on coach Dunga, and any setbacks this week will not help his cause.