RONALDINHO has promised to work hard at new club AC Milan after leaving Barcelona under a cloud.

The Brazilian forward, who suffered form and fitness problems at the Nou Camp last term, arrived in Milan yesterday to undergo a medical before signing a deal until June 2011.

His transfer has taken three months of bargaining and will initially cost

21 million euros ($45 million), much less than Premier League side Manchester City were reported to have bid.

'I am sorry for the wait but the facts show that I have always wanted Milan,' Ronaldinho told Gazzetta dello Sport.

'This is not the moment to talk about Barcelona because I want to enjoy this new chapter of my life. I will only say that at Milan I promise commitment, not only on my technique.'

Ronaldinho caused a row at Barcelona even in his last few days at the club when he was told he would not be able to represent Brazil at the Olympics.

Milan have blocked compatriot Kaka from attending but media reports yesterday said part of Ronaldinho's deal with the Rossoneri was to allow him to go to Beijing next month.

COUP

Beating off English side City to sign the 28-year-old is being seen as a coup in Italy given that Serie A has slipped behind the Spanish and English leagues in recent seasons.

Money is also tighter than usual at the San Siro this season with Carlo Ancelotti's side only in the Uefa Cup, so no further signings are expected. Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini is the other major arrival.

Ronaldinho's arrival at Milan

seems to spell the end of their

pursuit of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor with chief executive Adriano Galliani having consistently said only one of the two would come to the San Siro.

Coincidentally, Adebayor has been linked with Barca in the media.

Manchester City must now look elsewhere for a big-name summer transfer after they were edged out in the battle to sign Ronaldinho.

Blues owner Thaksin Shinawatra had targeted the two-time Fifa World Player of the Year as the marquee signing that would kickstart Mark Hughes' first season in charge at Eastlands.

According to Milan, they have reached an agreement in principle to sign the 28-year-old Brazilian on a three-year deal, subject to passing a medical later today and finally ending City's audacious bid for his services.

Meanwhile, Hughes yesterday insisted that the club could have done no more to lure Ronaldinho to the Barclays Premier League.

Hughes was coming to terms with the 28-year-old Brazilian star's decision to head for AC Milan rather than Eastlands after a protracted chase for his signature.

He was remaining philosophical after missing out on the player, and claimed the club should be applauded for setting their sights so high.

Hughes told the Manchester Evening News: 'I think we have shown a willingness to bring Ronaldinho here and should be complimented for that.

'In the end though, it will be the player's decision where he goes.'

- Reuters.