Ronaldinho Race Won At Last

By Matthew Jones
July 21 2003

Newcastle United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United have all been linked with Brazilian World Cup Winner Ronaldinho recently. He looked likely to sign for Manchester United, but there was a twist. Who DID he sign for?

First it was Newcastle United who were linked with Ronaldinho, who put England out of the World Cup finals.

Then it was Manchester United's turn, along with Real Madrid. Man Utd looked to have the edge on Real and Newcastle, and he looked set to sign at Old Trafford.

However, the £21m Brazilian passed a medical on Sunday morning at Barcelona, after he deal was agreed which saw Ronaldinho signing on the dotted line of a five-year contract which will earn him around £15m.

Speaking to the Official Barcelona website about the transfer, Ronaldinho said:

"There is everything that a player can wish or need. It is a great club, through which have passed many of the players who comprise the history of football.

"I am very happy to have the opportunity to become a part of this team and to be in this pretty city. I am going to do all I can to be able to give them much joy.

"In this squad there are many players of quality, and for that reason I feel privileged to be able to be a part of the squad"

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