By MIKE GRAMAJO
SANFORD, Fla. — Orlando City Soccer Club’s acquisition of AC Milan forward Robinho may have run into a brick wall.
According to reports in Italy, Robinho’s move to Orlando City from Milan is more than likely doubtful. Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has admitted to discussions between the Lions and the Rossoneri, but the inability to match a transfer fee seems to be a problem.
“For Robinho we are waiting for other offers, we’ll see on Monday,” Galliani said. “Negotiations with Orlando are advanced, but we are very far apart with regard to the numbers. The deal will not go through for economic reasons. Their offer and our request is very, very far away. Our relationship with Orlando is very good, but we are very far away. My prediction is that nothing will be agreed with Orlando.”
Orlando City isn’t the only club courting the forward. Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro are also interested in the services of the former Real Madrid and Manchester City player, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Here’s more news regarding Orlando City’s push to MLS:
NEW ORLANDO CITRUS BOWL RENDERINGS REVEALED
Orlando City won’t play in their downtown soccer-specific stadium until 2016, but will play in a $200 million-plus renovated Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium once they kick off in their first Major League Soccer game in 2015.
City of Orlando leaders along with Florida Citrus Sports executives released updated renderings of Orlando City’s future home on Friday, which is expected to be completed by mid-November.
The new-look Citrus Bowl will still have artificial turf however, replacing the previous turf that Orlando City played on from 2011-2013.
HEATH DISCUSSES LAMPARD MOVE TO NYC FC
From one Englishman to another, Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath praised Frank Lampard’s move to fellow expansion club New York City FC.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder joined New York City as their second Designated Player on Thursday, joining former Spanish striker David Villa for their debut in 2015.
“He’s had an unbelievable career,” Heath told SBI. “Frank arguably has gotten more out of his career than any player in the history of English football. He performs at the maximum, he’s consistent, he looks after his body, he looks after himself, know’s what he good at and he know’s what he’s bad at.
“He’s been a great role model for players in England, I don’t care about the fact that he’s 36. All I know is he’s fit, and this year he broke the Chelsea (scoring) record. I have no doubt he’ll be a big hit in MLS. I think David (Beckham) was different because he’s one of the few players that his iconic status away from football transcended everything but certainly on the field, Frank will be very, very good for New York City.”
Orlando City and New York City are set to join Major League Soccer in 2015 as expansion clubs. OCSC will play their first season in a renovated Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium before moving into their soccer-specific stadium in 2016. Meanwhile, NYCFC will play their home games at Yankee Stadium.
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What do you think of these developments? Can Orlando City manage to acquire Robinho? What do you think about the latest Citrus Bowl renderings? Do you think Orlando and New York can form an expansion rivalry?
Share your thoughts below.