We’re sure that many Eastlands season-ticket holders will have been glad to see Ronaldinho and his entourage choose Milan over Manchester this week. It was clear from the start that this was a player that Thaksin Shinawatra wanted to bring in, and not necessarily the choice of Mark Hughes, who was appointed after the initial interest was declared by the City owner.

While the Daily Mail report that the Welshman sounds disappointed not to have landed the former world player of the year, surely there’s a part of him that’s relieved at not having to contend with a footballer who is rumoured to lost a good deal of motivation to play football at the highest level these days.

Hughes said: ‘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.’

To think, Manchester United wanted to sign Ronaldinho five seasons ago, before he opted for Barcelona. This was shortly after the Brazilian had put paid to England’s 2002 World Cup hopes with that looping effort over David Seaman. However, the smart money is on the forward to have a minimal impact at the San Siro, and the failure of Man City to land him will surely be a blessing in disguise.