Ronaldinho's agent squashes PAO rumour

The brother and agent of football superstar Ronaldinho has told reporters that the Brazilian will not be signing for Greek club Panathinaikos. Ronaldinho's sibling and representative Roberto De Assis insisted that his brother was going to stay on at Brazilian side Flamengo, despite reports in Greece indicating otherwise. Saudi Prince, Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, is currently in negotiations with Panathinaikos over a possible takeover deal which could be agreed in the next few weeks.

Al Saud's spokesman told Novaspor FM on Tuesday that if the takeover was to go through, then he would sign the former Barcelona ace by the end of the year. However speaking to reporters a day later, Assis revealed he hasn't had any contact with the Saudi Prince's representatives and insisted his brother is happy at Flamengo where his contract runs until the year 2014.

"We have many friends and great relations in Greece, but no one's come to us," he said. "Who can leave a place when they have a contract until 2014? He's happy at the club (Flamengo)."

The news will no doubt disappoint supporters of Panathinaikos, who were excited at the prospect of Ronaldinho joining a club that is top of the Greek Super League with six wins in their first seven games and about to be taken over by a wealthy Saudi prince. Looking for a marquee signing to begin his tenure, Al Saud has set his sights on the 2002 World Cup winner and is certain that he will close a lucrative deal with the Rio de Janeiro club.

"Ronaldinho will be in Athens on December 17 to sign for Panathinaikos," the Sultan's spokesman Vlassis Tsakas told Novaspor FM on Tuesday. "We have made contact with Ronaldinho's agent, and of course the player himself is aware of the move. "He is an expensive player but we will do everything we can to overcome the difficulties. I can see this going ahead." Tsakas said the Saudi is prepared to pay up to 30 million euros for the former Barcelona and Milan star, which would be covered through sponsorship deals.