Ronaldo - O Fenomeno

The Brazilian star made his first appearance of the season yesterday against Cagliari, following a long spell on the sidelines with injury.

El Fenomeno had an impressive game considering his lack of match sharpness, winning a penalty, hitting the post, and having a few inspired moments.

Ronaldo’s contract with Milan expires at the end of the season, meaning that under the laws of the Bosman ruling, he will be free to talk with other clubs from January onwards.

“There is no problem with Ronaldo’s contract,” Galliani said confidently. “There is great affection between the club and the player.”

It is believed that Milan will wait until after next month’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan before offering the 31-year-old an extension.

The ex-Real Madrid star has recently been linked with a move to the United States, with David Beckham hoping to lure his former team-mate to LA Galaxy.

Ronaldo said he was close to his best after making his first competitive appearance for over six months in AC Milan’s 2-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday. The Brazilian, 31, missed the end of last term with a hamstring problem and then injured his leg again in preseason. Milan kept delaying his comeback and the club’s medical staff later admitted misdiagnosing the strain.

He hit a post in Cagliari during a solid display and also won a penalty which Kaka missed. “I’m doing things slowly but I’m not too far from my best form. I had two chances where I’ve been close to scoring a goal,” he told Sky television.

Ronaldo has gained weight in recent years with Milan saying in August that his problem was down to hypothyroidism. He has slimmed down slightly and wants to show Milan he can still be as devastating as he was several years ago. “We’ll see how well I do this year then we can see about a new contract,” he added.

Ronaldo was cup-tied for Milan’s UEFA Champions League triumph last season following his January move from Real Madrid but hopes to be involved in Wednesday’s Group D trip to Benfica, where the holders can qualify for the last 16 with a victory.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti knew Ronaldo was ready to return. “He won a penalty and hit the post. He is in line with what we expected,” he said.

Ronaldo will make his first appearance of the season for AC Milan by starting Sunday’s match at Cagliari, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday.

Ronaldo has had an injury blighted start to the season and is yet to get on the pitch.

He was named as a substitute against Atlanta two weeks ago but that match was abandoned after just seven minutes due to crowd trouble.

But now the former three times World Player of the Year will get the nod from the beginning.

“Ronaldo will play from the start, he is well and will finally start to make a contribution to the team,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

“We expect the same from him this year as he gave last season. He has a great desire to play.”

Ronaldo made a strong impression last season after signing from Real Madrid during the January transfer window. He scored seven goals in 14 league outings and he has been sorely missed this season, with Milan struggling down in 11th position and 11 points off league leaders Inter Milan - they have failed to win in six league matches at home.

The 31-year-old will partner Italy forward Alberto Gilardino in attack, relegating Filippo Inzaghi to the bench.

“Inzaghi had a little fever last night and therefore Gilardino will partner Ronaldo,” added Ancelotti.

The 31-year-old Ronaldo has not played since injuring his thigh at the end of July, although he did come through unscathed from a charity run-out in Malaga at the beginning of the week.

Despite starting him, Ancelotti admitted Ronaldo will not finish the game.

“Ronaldo has never played for 90 minutes and he never will. He has particular characteristics and those are enough for us.

“Ronaldo produces moments of great genius and that’s what we’re looking for, we are convinced that he can succeed for us.”

Meanwhile Ancelotti dismissed newspaper reports earlier in the day that Brazil playmaker Kaka has already been told he was won the Ballon d’Or - formerly the European Footballer of the Year award which has become a world player of the year award.

The Ballon d’Or is a hot gossip subject in Italy with Kaka the overwhelming favourite to win when the award is announced on December 2 in Paris.

“I would be astonished if Kaka didn’t win it but nothing is official yet,” said Ancelotti.