Genoa dismiss Ronaldinho rumours

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has dismissed speculation that Ronaldinho is on the verge of signing for his club.

The Brazilian playmaker is currently in dispute with his current team Flamengo over unpaid wages and his brother and agent Roberto de Assis has claimed that the player could quit the Rio-based outfit unless the issue is resolved soon.

That has prompted talk of a return to Europe for the former Barcelona and Milan ace, with some reports claiming that Genoa had made an approach.

However, Preziosi has laughed off the rumours, telling Sky Sport Italia: “Yes, he’s going to arrive together with (Real Madrid’s) Kaka.”

The Genoa supremo did admit, though, that he could make a move for Lazio striker Giuseppe Sculli.

“He could only come on loan,” he revealed. “Maybe I’ll talk this evening with (Lazio president) Claudio Lotito. We are in a good mood (as) we both won today (Sunday).”

However, Preziosi conceded that midfielder Alexander Merkel, who is co-owned with AC Milan, could end up moving to San Siro.

“Merkel is a very promising young man and we would like to keep him but he must be convinced (to stay),” he said.

“I hope he wants to stay here. If no, we will talk with Milan, a club with whom we have excellent relations.”

Genoa’s 3-2 victory over Udinese on Sunday saw them climb to eighth in the Serie A standings.