Ronaldo off to AC Milan

Posted by Andrew Wallace Feb 6, 2007

So Ronaldo is on his way back to Italy to join the ranks of one of Europe’s most storied sides.

I can’t help but wonder why.

Not why Ronald would want to leave Real Madrid – that much should be obvious – but why AC Milan would want to shell out nearly $10 million (US) for the aging striker.

Of course, in fairness to Ronaldo, he is – or perhaps, more fittingly, was – one of the greatest players ever to play the game. Over the course of his career, he has put together a long list of accolades and accomplishments that illustrate just how incredible he really was. After all, Pele named him as one of the greatest 125 footballers in history and I’ve heard that man might know a thing or two about The Beautiful Game.

In international action, the Brazilian international won a pair of FIFA World Cups (1994, 2002), receiving the Golden Shoe as the tournament’s top scorer in 2002. At last year’s competition, he became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, pocketing his 15th goal in Brazil’s second-round victory over Ghana while adding to his now 62 total goals in 97 international caps.

His record in club competition is equally impressive, playing for four of Europe’s most successful clubs – PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Internazionale and Real Madrid – before making the move to Milan. He highlighted his 13 years in Europe by taking home any and all things shiny, winning the UEFA Cup and the Dutch Cup, receiving UEFA player of the year and the European Golden Boot honors and leading both the Dutch and Spanish leagues in scoring.

But while all that amounts to a brilliant history, it stands in stark contrast to his present play. After joining Real Madrid in 2002 and scorching the competition in La Liga and the Champions League alike, Ronaldo’s production has been steadily declining over the last few years. In fact, he has scored fewer and fewer goals every year since joining the Spanish powerhouse. This year Ronaldo has spent much of his time on the bench and pocketed only three goals in 11 games while starting but three contests in Primera Division competition.

Which is what begs the question about Milan’s decision to bring “The Phenomenon” back to Italy. Clearly, Milan must believe Ronaldo still has something to offer and that he will return to the form of old in the right environment. Fellow Brazilian, and now teammate at Milan, Kaka said Ronaldo merely has to find his “motivation” once again. But, really, what does that even mean?

If being labeled ‘fat,’ ‘out of shape’ and ‘past his prime’ isn’t motivation enough, then sitting on the sideline and watching idly while lesser players take over his spot should have done the trick. Yet it didn’t. Being paid of millions of dollars to play a game doesn’t seem to do it either.

Maybe it’s the gelato, pizza and Italian red that he’s been missing…