Ronaldo bids farewell to Real Madrid

Milan, January 31:

Ronaldo’s farewell to Real Madrid didn’t include any fond words for coach Fabio Capello. The World Cup’s all-time leading scorer left Madrid for AC Milan on Tuesday, returning to Italy’s Serie A for a reported $9.73 million transfer fee. The Brazil striker joined Milan until 2008 — the same length as the remainder of his contract at Madrid.

Ronaldo hasn’t been picked to play by Capello since a January 7 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna. The three-time FIFA player of the year is returning to the city where he spent five years with Inter Milan.

Ronaldo had agreed to personal terms with Milan last week and passed a medical test on Friday. Milan striker Ricardo Oliveira will reportedly move to Madrid on loan as part of the deal.

Ronaldo won’t be able to play for Milan in this season’s Champions League because he has already appeared for Madrid in the competition.