Ronaldo delighted with AC Milan debut
Ronaldo was delighted with his AC Milan debut after coming on as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 2-1 home win against Livorno.
Ronaldo was delighted with his AC Milan debut after coming on as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 2-1 home win against Livorno.
The 30-year-old Brazil international started on the bench as he is still short of match fitness, but he managed three shots on goal in the 27 minutes he spent on the pitch, two of them on target.
"It went very well," said the 30-year-old striker who joined AC Milan from Spanish giants Real Madrid at the end of January.
"It's not easy coming in and trying to gel with the team straight away, but I was happy with how it went."
"But it's only my first appearance and it's going to take time to understand each other's movements."
"I have to learn a lot about the team, and my team-mates need to get to know me. It's going to take time."
Ronaldo, who has already played in Serie A having spent five years with AC Milan's city rivals Inter, was delighted to hear the home fans singing his name when he came on for fellow Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira.
"I got a great reception, from the fans and my team-mates," he said on Monday.
"There's a wonderful atmosphere at this club."
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, was still a long way from reaching his peak.
"His fitness has to improve, but I believe he will be a very important player for us," Ancelotti said.
"He is an incredible talent, but he needs to get some games under his belt."
"Everything is still there, his pace, power and technique. He just needs a little time."
AC Milan's win lifted them up to seventh and boosted their chances of finishing among the Champions League places, leaving them just two points behind fourth-placed Empoli.
The top two in Serie A go directly into the Champions League, while the teams finishing third and fourth go into the third and final qualifying round, which is played over two legs.
Ronaldo is ineligible for AC Milan's Champions League matches this season as he has already played in the competition for Real Madrid.
AC Milan face Scottish giants Celtic in the last 16.