WHEN SKIES ARE GREY

Last updated : 15 June 2003 By Editor

Ronaldinho: "I have spent two years with PSG. I have experienced good things and there are chances I might stay there next campaign, however I can also leave,"

"I am 100% concentrated on the Confederations Cup and the Brazil team.

"At the moment I want to leave PSG aside. I will think about it at the end of the competition.

"We are all very motivated for the Confederations Cup because this is our first big competition after we won the World Cup."

However Ronaldinho's agent and brother Roberto Assis reiterated yesterday that he expects the striker to join United this summer.

"I have spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson and their interest is very strong. I am now confident that Roni will become a Manchester United player,"

Outgoing PSG coach Luis Fernandez, believes the Beckham-Ronaldinho moves will go ahead: "It is my opinion that Beckham will join Real Madrid this summer and Ronaldinho will end up playing for Manchester United. These two players hold the key to the biggest transfer story of the summer."

Silvestre: "We, the French, had some problems getting used to Manchester," said Silvestre, who previously enjoyed Italian climes with Internazionale. "It is not like London at all.

"Manchester is the heartland of England and for a South American it could be quite difficult. For example, [Juan Sebastian] Veron suffered a lot when he arrived, from sunny Rome to grey Manchester."

On the pitch, Silvestre sees no United problem - if Ronaldinho does not instead head south from Paris Saint-Germain to rival suitors Real Madrid.

"Ronaldinho would be a great boost for United," he said. "He is talented, capable of being a success everywhere. We also have a continental game and I am sure he would adapt easily."