Ronaldo joins Milan from Real Madrid

MILAN, Italy (AP) -- Ronaldo joined AC Milan from Real Madrid on Tuesday, with the clubs agreeing to a $9.73 million deal until 2008 for the 30-year-old Brazil striker.

AC Milan said the length of the contract equals the remainder of his contract at Real Madrid.

The Web site of Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sports first reported the deal, which included Milan striker Ricardo Oliveira moving to Madrid on loan.

Ronaldo passed a medical test Friday in the Italian city, where he spent five years with Inter Milan.

Ronaldo, who hasn't played for Madrid since a Jan. 7 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna, said his difficulties with coach Fabio Capello forced him to look elsewhere.

The striker joined Madrid in 2002, winning the Spanish league at the end of his first season -- his last major title.

"I know that Ronaldo is Milan's," Capello was quoted by Italian news agency ANSA. "I wish him good luck, that he does what he used to be able to do, that is be a great player."

Ronaldo came close to joining Milan last August. Milan offered $28.5 million but Madrid also wanted an option on Milan midfielder Kaka.

Milan signed 26-year-old Oliveira to a five-year contract from Real Betis on the last day of the summer transfer window, following the original failed Ronaldo bid.

Updated on Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 11:03 am EST