Inter want Ronaldinho!

Roberto Mancini has stunned the media by admitting Inter are interested in Ronaldinho. “Nobody believed me…”

For over two years now the Brazilian has been a declared target for their rivals Milan, who now seem to have dropped their interest in the Barcelona star.

However, a switch to San Siro is still possible for the former World Player of the Year, but in the Nerazzurri colours.

“Nobody believed me when I talked about Ronaldinho,” grinned Mancio during today’s Press Conference.

“I don’t think it would be a problem to have him settle in to the squad. Ronaldinho is a great player and, aside from his behaviour, the important thing is that a champion steps on to the field and makes the difference. He almost always does that.”

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi had announced he was dropping his bid to sign Ronaldinho last week, stating that the Selecao hero could “cause problems” in the locker room.

This left Chelsea as the only contenders for his signature, but Inter appear to be in the running as well now and President Massimo Moratti has never been shy about splashing the cash on his players.

Moratti has pledged to sign a big star for their Centenary celebrations and Ronaldinho could well fit the bill.

Meanwhile, Nuno Maniche receives his debut against Parma on Sunday evening after the international transfer from Atletico Madrid came through.

“There is the possibility he could start. He is in good shape and has no particular physical problems.”

The midfield is also boosted by the return of Patrick Vieira, who had been out of action since October 23 with a series of setbacks.

“He is doing pretty well and wants to be on the bench. We will start that way and see whether it is opportune to introduce him during the game or not.”

This will be a special occasion for Mancini, who marks his 200th official match on the Inter bench.

“It’s already a miracle!” he joked of the club’s tendency to rattle through tacticians over the years.

“It is pleasing and I hope to add many more to that tally.”

Inter squad: 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni; 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Maxwell, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 24 Nelson Rivas, 26 Cristian Chivu; 11 Luis Jimenez, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 21 Santiago Solari, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelè, 31 Cesar; 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 18 Hernan Crespo, 45 Mario Balotelli.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia