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BEIJING, Feb. 12 -- AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was delighted with
Ronaldo's debut in a 2-1 win over Livorno yesterday.
The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, who Milan signed from Real
Madrid for 7.5 million euros ($9.7 million), last month, gave a lively
performance after coming on for the final 30 minutes of the Serie A match at the
San Siro stadium, Reuters reported.
"He played for half an hour, created three chances, looked dangerous from
long range and did very well to free himself from his markers," Ancelotti told
Italy's Sky television.
"He must improve his physical condition, but I believe he will be very
important to us."
Ronaldo, who played for Milan's city rivals Inter from 1997 to 2002, received
an ovation when he replaced fellow Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira.
Czech midfielder Marek Jankulovski scored Milan's winning goal five minutes
later, but the Brazilian went close to grabbing a third with a dipping shot that
visiting keeper Marco Amelia dived to push round his post.
"He is an incredible talent. At the moment he only shows it in flashes, but
basically he's the same player he always was -- very fast, powerful, quick to
react, and has wonderful technique," Ancelotti said.
Ronaldo, whose last competitive appearance dated back to Real's 2-0 defeat to
Deportivo Coruna on Jan. 7, agreed there was plenty of room for improvement.
"It went really well," he said. "I've still got a lot to learn from this
group of players, but I'm pleased with the start I've made. Sooner or later the
goals will come."
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