News + Discussion

[occhidolci]

Ronaldo Doping Saga Cleared
Ronaldo is back in Italy and although he insists his faith in the Milan medial staff is unchanged, he admits his return to fitness remains a mystery.

The striker has been out injured since August and went to Brazil doctor Jose Luiz Runco for specialist treatment, but has flew back to the Milanello training ground on Wednesday. “This visit to Brazil was important to have a second opinion from someone I hold great confidence in,” explained Ronaldo on Milan Channel’. “That is not to take anything away from the other opinions I received. He clarified things for me, so now I think we are on the right track.”

However, even with this new diagnosis of his muscular problem with some knee ligament damage, the date of his season debut is still up in the air. “I have absolutely not set a date for my return, because muscular lesions are always difficult to predict. Now I think we are doing the right things to make my recovery as fast as possible.”

Although Il Fenomeno has a history of physical problems, up until now his career with the Rossoneri had been relatively plain sailing. “Of course I have great faith in MilanLab and the club’s medical staff. Our rapport has always been very clear, sincere and it continues to be excellent,” he told the official website. “My story at Milan has just begun. I have not been here for long, unfortunately, and these lesions can happen to players, forcing them off the field. I hope to get back to doing what I love as soon as possible. The season is in its early stages and I have plenty of time to get ready and score plenty of goals.”

Meanwhile, Selecao chief medic Runco has explained why the reports that Ronaldo had undergone a controversial genetic therapy called ‘Growth Factor’ came about. “There may have been a misunderstanding, because the same day as Ronaldo was here we visited Argentine player Maxi and he did undergo the Growth Factor therapy,” he told Brazilian channel TV Globo. The system caused controversy, as it involves removing blood from the player, treating it to stimulate platelets and re-injecting it into the lesion to stimulate faster cell renewal. “We have been using this technique for seven years and it has never been considered illegal by FIFA or compared to doping. I think that in three weeks Ronaldo will be ready to resume normal activity.” Source

Emerson Needs Time
Milan new boy Emerson is asking for two weeks to get himself fully fit and set his sights on Champions League glory this term. Il Puma joined the Rossoneri after a disappointing spell at Real Madrid ended this summer, but he hasn’t been able to make his mark at the San Siro yet as he is not match fit. “I still need to get into shape, but I played 90 minutes in the friendly at Kiev and in two weeks I will be in top condition,” the Brazilian midfielder explained. I like playing for a team that has made winning a habit and I can’t wait for the game against Benfica already.” Source

Bonera Backs Best Friend Gila
Milan defender Daniele Bonera has given his support to under-fire Diavolo hitman Alberto Gilardino.

Ex-Parma star Gilardino hit 17 goals in his maiden Rossoneri season in 2005-06, but only managed a respectable 12 last term and has stuttered at the start of the current campaign. The demanding San Siro faithful have already made their disappointment known by whistling and jeering the 25-year-old and he has slipped out of Azzurri contention.

However, despite rumours suggesting the struggling forward may leave in January, Bonera believes that Gila still has a great future at Milan and can build on a friendly goal against Dinamo Kiev. “Alberto was excellent in the game against Kiev,” the Brescia native claimed. “He just needs to continue down that road. So many people focus on his lack of goals, but he did really well against Fiorentina and needs to be appreciated for the selfless work he does.”

With Brazilian ace Ronaldo still facing a period on the treatment table and Alexandre Pato only arriving in January, this is a crucial chance for Gilardino to impress. “Carlo Ancelotti knows how to manage the situation,” Bonera concluded. “Last year he did a great job of rotating the squad to get results and he is totally aware of how to handle things." Source

Gattuso: Put It Where You Want It *snicker* 
What does it take to be an accurate footballer?

Click to view

Discussion
What do you think about the tifosi's behaviour towards Gila? Are they in the right to be disappointed and show their frustration with him?