Milan coach delighted by Ronaldo's debut
(Reuters)Updated: 2007-02-12 09:37
ROME - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was delighted with Ronaldo's debut in a 2-1 win over Livorno on Sunday.
 Barcelona's Ronaldinho (10) celebrates his second goal with his team mate Carlos Puyol during their Spanish first division soccer league match against Racing Santander at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona February 11, 2007. [Reuters] |
The three-times FIFA World Player of the Year, who Milan signed from Real Madrid for 7.5 million euros ($9.7 million) last month, gave a lively performance after coming on for the final 30 minutes of the Serie A match at the San Siro stadium.
"He played for half an hour, created three chances, looked dangerous from long range and did very well to free himself from his markers," Ancelotti told Italy's Sky television.
"He must improve his physical condition, but I believe he will be very important to us."
Ronaldo, who played for Milan's city rivals Inter from 1997 to 2002, received an ovation when he replaced fellow Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira.
Czech midfielder Marek Jankulovski scored Milan's winning goal five minutes later, but the Brazilian went close to grabbing a third with a dipping shot that visiting keeper Marco Amelia dived to push round his post.
"He is an incredible talent. At the moment he only shows it in flashes, but basically he's the same player he always was -- very fast, powerful, quick to react, and has wonderful technique," Ancelotti said.
Ronaldo, whose last competitive appearance dated back to Real's 2-0 defeat to Deportivo Coruna on January 7, agreed there was plenty of room for improvement.
"It went really well," he said. "I've still got a lot to learn from this group of players, but I'm pleased with the start I've made. Sooner or later the goals will come."
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