MILAN, Italy (AP) — AC Milan is planning to hold onto injury-prone Ronaldo at least until the end of the season.
"Ronaldo will stay here surely through June 30, but if he’s well both he and we will want to continue this relationship," Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said Wednesday upon the squad’s return from a training camp in Dubai.
Due to a series of injuries, Ronaldo has played only one game for Milan this season. He appears ready for more action after playing the first half of a friendly with the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
Milan hosts Napoli on Sunday.
"After this friendly, I can say that I am well and available to the coach for the Napoli game," Ronaldo said. "Regarding my contract, it’s true that (Brazilian club) Flamengo is interested in me, but personally I’ve never said or written a word about this.
"My wish is to earn an important position in Milan … what counts now is that I feel good and I want to start playing again."
While Milan won the Club World Cup last month and has also performed well in the Champions League, the Rossoneri are only 12th in Serie A, 11 points from fourth place — the last qualifying berth for next season’s Champions League.
"I’m happy Ronaldo has returned. Now we have the entire squad available," Galliani said. "That’s very positive and it will help us in our pursuit of fourth place."
Milan is also excited about the debut of 18-year-old Brazil forward Alexandre Pato against Napoli.