Palermo sports chief Walter Sabatini has played down interest in Corinthians striker Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo? It was a joke, some media have exaggerated and diluted my statement," said Sabatini.

"(President) Maurizio Zamparini, however, have the resources to make an operation of this kind, even if Ronaldo is not a player interesting Palermo, as the club adopts a different line."