Thousands of fans turned up late Thursday as AC Milan unveiled Brazilian new signing Ronaldinho after the 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year officially began life with the Serie A club, an AFP photographer said.

Ronaldinho has completed an €18.5-million move from Barcelona and Milan invited fans to come along for a first glimpse.

Sky TG24 television said around 30000 fans had shown up to see their new star enter the San Siro arena in a black and red club shirt but without a number on the back.

Earlier, Ronaldinho said: "I can confirm I desperately wanted Milan. Many things have happened, but in the end I am a Rossonero.

"I'm happy to be here and I repeat, I hope to make the Milan crowd joyful," said the world champion, who joins compatriots Kaka and teen prodigy Alexandre Pato at the San Siro.

AFP