LONDON: Ronaldinho cannot wait to be the first Brazilian to wear the colours of English premier league champions Manchester United.

"I am desperate to become the first Brazilian to play for Manchester United," Ronaldinho told Sunday's News of the World.

"All the biggest stars from the past and today - like Pele, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and even Rivaldo wanted to be the first to play for United.

"But I want to be the first Brazilian ever to be a Red - and I know I am going to be."

United are reported to have offered Ronaldinho's French club Paris St Germain a deal worth 18.75 million pounds (US$30.70 million) to sign the 23-year-old World Cup-winner, who has already agreed personal terms with the English club.

"Today, Manchester United are one of the three best clubs in the world." Ronaldinho said. "Their squad is so good that I can more or less compare them to the (world champion) Brazilian volleyball team.

"There are 23 fantastic players at Old Trafford and so I cannot rest for one moment if I want to get into the side.

"Professionally, there could be nothing more demanding in the world than playing at Old Trafford - even more so than playing at Real Madrid."

Chelsea and Barcelona are also still interested in signing Ronaldinho, according to media reports.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 07/14/2003 page8)