We did all we could to sign Ronaldinho, insists Manchester City boss Hughes

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Hughes was today coming to terms with the 28-year-old Barcelona forward's
decision to head for AC Milan rather than Eastlands after a protracted chase for
his signature.

He was remaining philosophical after missing out on the player, and claimed the
club should be applauded for setting their sights so high.

Gotcha: Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani (left) with Ronaldinho and Barcelona president Joan Laporta (right)

Hughes said: 'I think we have shown a willingness to bring Ronaldinho here and should be complimented for that.

'In the end though, it will be the player's decision where he goes.'

City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is understood to have tabled an offer in excess
of the £19.8million Milan have agreed to pay Barca for Ronaldinho, with some
reports suggesting he was willing to pay the South American up to a staggering
£200,000 a week in wages.

However, the Italian club announced last night that they had agreed a deal in principle with their Spanish counterparts. Ronaldinho is now due in Milan today to undergo a medical before signing a three-year deal.