Roberto de Assis said yesterday: "There has been no negotiations. What happened is that the Milan requested authorization to initiate talks with the player and we have had a first meeting.

"There is, yes, the interest of Milan, and the good relationship that we have can make things easier. But it is not a negotiation that can be resolved quickly. It is necessary to have patience.

"We are not doing a Ronaldo auction. My position is to speak only with Milan for the time being. I do not want to hear from others. Everything is speculation. Milan have only just made contact with me."

Asked about Inter, De Assis was adamant: "I haven't discussed him with anyone from Inter. It would be against ethics to do that with Milan, which has opened their doors."