AC Milan does newcomer Ronaldinho a favor

(BEIJING, July 17) -- AC Milan will allow its newly-acquired player Ronaldinho to play for Brazil at Beijing 2008.

Despite being selected as an over-age player in Brazil's squad, Ronaldinho's former club Barcelona did not want him to play at Beijing 2008. Ronaldinho's transfer to AC Milan has given him a pass to Beijing.

"We respect the commitment he took before coming to Milan," said AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani at a press conference. "If he had already been a Rossoneri he would not have gone but he will become ours during the week so we will let him go to the Olympics."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti thinks the Olympics will benefit the 28-year-old Ronaldinho, who has been out of form. The Italian league season starts one week after the Olympics on August 30, so Ancelotti hopes the Brazilian striker can be ready for the new season and adjust to his new club.

Brazil's first Olympic game is scheduled against Belgium on August 7.