AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation that striker Ronaldo could join Flamengo
Ronaldo still an integral part of Milan's squad, says Ancelotti
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation that Brazilian striker Ronaldo could be leaving the Italian giants.
The striker was photographed in Rio de Janeiro over Christmas wearing a Flamengo shirt, leading to speculation that the 31-year-old could be returning to play in Brazil.
Flamengo have confirmed that they will make an offer to sign Ronaldo in the next fortnight, saying their interest is "mutual".
But Ancelotti insists the player is still very much part of Milan's plans and he is going nowhere.
Speaking on Thursday at a press conference in Dubai, where Milan are on a mid-season training camp, Ancelotti said: "As far as I know he hasn't expressed any desire to leave Milan.
"The question about a possible transfer to Flamengo is purely about the fact he was born in Brazil and has nothing to do with his wishes.
Integral
"Ronie is an integral part of the squad and is someone in whom we have confidence and we hope he will start to train with a ball again in the next few days."
Injuries have restricted Ronaldo to only two games this term, with Milan's striking burden instead being shared by veteran forward Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardo.
But Brazilian wonderkid Pato now looks set to ease this burden by making his debut when Milan entertain Napoli on 13th January.
.
Pato has not been able to play after being bought in August from Brazilian club Internacional because of work permit restrictions on non-EU nationals.
Resolved
But Ancelotti believes these bureaucratic issues will be resolved in time for the 18-year-old to play against Napoli.
He told the club's official website: "Pato's arrival in January will help us in the league and he shouldn't have any problems in playing against Napoli, I believe the bureaucratic issues will be resolved in time."
Ancelotti has also given his backing to a third Brazilian player - goalkeeper Nelson Dida, whose recent error cost Milan a share of the spoils against their city rivals
This has lead some to speculate that he will be replaced in the starting line-up by Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac, but Ancelotti said: "I have no problem in saying that Nelson will be the starting goalkeeper against Napoli."
