A.C. Milan might as well call themselves A.C. Brazil. The northern Italian club announced yesterday that they have swooped in on the Ronaldinho sweepstakes to claim him for only $29.4 million from Barcelona. What! That doesn’t seem like a small sum by any means, but I still think Ronaldinho has the potential to reclaim his past form to make Barca wish they never dealt him.

I really don’t understand the transfer fee in this situation. How does Milan secure one of the top players in the world for less than $30 million? Ronaldinho joining A.C. Milan doesn’t even rank in the top 10 of biggest transfers all-time. Is it his form? His attitude? His work ethic? Whatever the reason was, it seemed like an Italian mob strolled into Catalonia and snuck away with this Brazilian gem. Ronaldinho will once again prove his worth, it’s too bad he couldn’t do it for Barcelona fans.

Back to the reference of A.C. Brazil. Ronaldinho will now join fellow national team players Pato, Kaka, Dida, and Emerson. Ronaldinho should feel right at home. This also has to send a message to the rest of Europe as well. Even though A.C. Milan will not take part in this year’s Champions League, they will be a force to reckon with for next year’s competition. A star-studded midfield that already includes Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, and Mathieu Flamini will now have to be considered the best in Europe with Ronaldinho added to the picture.

All in all this was just a steal for A.C. Milan. Landing Ronaldinho after finishing 5th in the Serie A is a serious statement to the rest of Italy and all of Europe. It’s just too bad we won’t get to see this team battle Europe’s elite this year.